December 2024

Inside

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Vol 46 No. 1

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Wichita’s previous participation in AARP’s age-friendly network led to the creation of Grandparents Park under the leadership of thenMayor Carl Brewer (seen above at far left).

Wichita rejoins AARP’s age-friendly network

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By Joe Stumpe After a lull of a decade, Wichita is once again participating in AARP’s age-friendly community program. It’s unclear what, if any, changes residents can expect to see as a result, but supporters are hopeful.

December 2024

“For me, our community should be the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Mayor Lily Wu said.

“When I say raise, I mean from birth to being a grandparent.”

The city’s previous collaboration with AARP led to the creation

of Grandparents Park off Kellogg in central Wichita but little else, according to some familiar with the history.

The City Council voted unanimously last month to rejoin the AARP network of age-friendly communities. Wu said she was approached by AARP a couple months ago about the idea. About 700 cities, counties and states across the United States take part.

Wichita became the first city in Kansas to join the age-friendly network in 2013, under the leadership of then-Mayor Carl Brewer and City Council member Lavonta Williams.

Later that same year, the city and AARP developed Grandparents Park.

However, after Brewer’s second term ended in 2014, the next mayor, Jeff Longwell, ended the city’s participation, according to Andrea Bozarth, associate state director for outreach and advocacy. Participation requires support from a community’s top elected official.

See Age-friendly, page 7

Wichitan wins ‘The Golden Bachelorette.’ What’s next?

Rose Conlon KMUW Wichita businessman Chock Chapple ended his journey on the reality dating show “The Golden Bachelorette” engaged to the show’s lead, Joan Vassos.

Chapple is a longtime Wichita insurance executive who grew up in Garden Plain. Over the course of the ABC television show, he beat out 23 other men — ranging in age from 57 to 69 — vying for Vassos’ heart.

The season was the second time the Bachelor franchise featured older contestants after more than two

Photo by Christopher Willard/Disney

Chock Chapple successfully wooed Joan Vassos on "The Golden Bachelorette."

See Golden, page 6

Win a Diamond Necklace

Derby queen keeps rolling

Bonny Patrick looks for an opening during a roller derby match.

By Amy Geiszler-Jones Jamming and blocking her way around a roller derby rink, Bonny Patrick looks every bit the part of her nickname — the Sweet Assassin.

Surprisingly, she didn’t take up skating until 14 years ago, when she turned 49 and was looking for a new hobby.

“It was that or ride a motorcycle … and road rash didn’t seem very attractive to me,” Patrick, known as Bon to her friends, said.

Instead, she took up a fast-paced, full-contact sport.

She started by finding a local roller-skating club.

“I literally went from hugging the wall to skating in 10 weeks,” she said.

At the end of that time, she passed a minimum skills test for roller derby that required skating 25 laps in five minutes or less.

A cool-sounding moniker is part of the roller derby appeal. Patrick See Roller derby, page 6

Questions about services?

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December 2024

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The Singing Quakers of Friends University celebrated their 100th anniversary last month with a reunion and pair of concerts.

“It was a great occasion and certainly a unique occasion,” said Cecil Riney, who directed the group from 1960 to 2005. “We had over 300 former Singing Quakers back for that.”

The concerts featured performances by the current choir and alumni choir, finishing with a rousing version of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” that former members in the audience joined in.

The Singing Quakers formed when the school’s men’s and women’s

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glee clubs were combined. According to the Friends website, highlights from its early years included the group raising money for Friends through performances during the Great Depression. In the 1940s it staged several operas complete with costumes and sets. During World War II, it became almost an all-female outfit as men joined the war effort. In 1958, it performed at a campaign rally in Wichita for Vice President Richard Nixon, a devout Quaker who later invited the group to perform at the White House. The choir has toured Australia, Canada and Europe.

December 2024

the active age

Tiny trees grew into big collection

By Amy Geiszler-Jones Beginning in the 1970s, Wichitan Sylvia Jackson started collecting vintage miniature Christmas trees that she decorated with small ornaments and other tiny, often handcrafted, items in themed vignettes.

In 1991, she loaned her collection to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, which usually exhibits select trees from the collection around the Christmas holiday.

Occasionally, like this year, it will exhibit the entire collection of 22 trees.

Considering the collection involves several thousand pieces, it’s no small feat to display the trees, which range in height from 12 inches to 24 inches, said Eric Cale, the museum’s executive director.

The 12-inch tree that started the collection gets special treatment, displayed under a glass dome in a glass-and-wood display case in a second-floor exhibition space. An accompanying display card indicates the tree has 210 ornaments.

Jackson, now 90, recalled how she’d spotted the bare vintage tree in an antique store on South Broadway in Wichita. “I thought it was so cute, so I bought it,” she said.

Purchased in an antique store on South Broadway during the 1970s, this miniature tree marked the beginning of Syliva Jackson's collection.

She decorated the tree with tiny Victorian-themed and old-fashioned ornaments, hoping her two young sons would enjoy the addition of a miniature Christmas decoration in their home.

Page 3

cards, roses and Victorian-inspired cornucopias.

One of the largest vignettes As she added trees throughout features 75 miniature packages and the years, she started displaying the gifts under a tree loaded with 600 collection at the First Church of the ornaments.

Nazarene, which her family attended.

The tree collection is one of She added more trees after loaning the Jackson’s two holiday celebration collection to the museum. legacies.

“I guess I was always looking, and I As a board member for the did lots of checking in antique stores,” Wichita Art Association, now known Jackson said. as Mark Arts, Jackson was one of the Some of the trees have themes founders of the annual Holiday Tables that reflect Jackson’s interests and her exhibition. The 57th Holiday Tables, family. where guest hosts and businesses Two trees, one called Silver create tablescapes, was held in early Nostalgia and the other Golden November.

Memories, display family photos in Jackson said her health has the charms and lockets hanging on prevented her from visiting the the branches and in miniature frames museum to see her collection, but around the bases of the trees. former director Robert Plunkett Miniature stringed instruments created two scrapbooks of pictures of with cases, handcrafted by professional the collection that she occasionally violin makers, are displayed with looks through. the Sound of Christmas tree that is “I’m just amazed the museum still decorated with tiny pieces of sheet displays them,” Jackson said. music and miniature instruments.

The miniature tree collection on loan Jackson, who earned a music education from Wichitan Sylvia Jackson will be degree from Wichita State, played exhibited through the end of December at string bass for 15 years with the the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Wichita Symphony and later served on Museum, 204 S. Main. Museum hours the symphony’s board. are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Other themes include a Time Will Fridays and 1-5 p.m. weekends.

Tell vignette, where heirloom watches Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children are displayed on an old German-made ages 6-12, and free for children under 6. tree, and a Sentiments of the Season The museum is free to visit on Sundays. tree decorated with antique calling

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the active age

December 2024

Qualified Charitable Deduction a tax-smart way to help The Active Age

By Steve Criser Your gift to The Active Age, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, is normally tax deductible as an itemized deduction on Steve Criser your tax return.

With the higher federal standard deduction, it may be difficult to achieve the desired tax benefit from your charitable donation. For older taxpayers, consider: If you are 70 ½, plan to make the Qualified Charitable Deduction gift from your traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in 2024 or 2025.

Federal law allows people age 70½ or older to make direct transfers up to $100,000 per year per person

Dear Reader to charitable organizations from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA), without the withdrawal being treated as taxable income. The payment from your Traditional IRA must be made directly by the IRA Trustee. You cannot personally touch the money.

The withdrawal can also be counted toward your Required Minimum Distribution.

The advantages are that many of us cannot take advantage of charitable deductions. This is because of the high standard deduction ($33,100 for seniors filing jointly). Paying the donation directly out of your IRA lets you take advantage of this tax deduction by instead reducing your adjusted

gross income by the amount donated.

Reducing Adjusted Gross Income has other potential tax benefits as well.

Please visit with your tax accoun-

tant to see if this would help you.

Steve Criser is a member of The Active Age board of directors. He can be reached at steve@cgp.llc.

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These readers recently contributed $50 or more to the 2024 donation campaign.

Donate via our QR code This QR code will take you to The Active Age’s secure PayPal donation page.

$125,000.

Diamonds are forever, and The Active Age is 45!

By Joe Stumpe The folks who started The Active Age were a forward-thinking bunch.

Knowing from demographic studies that the number of seniors in the United States was growing, they reasoned that seniors here could use an information source dedicated to their needs and interests.

The first issue came out 45 years ago this month. I like to think it’s still going strong today.

In fact, I was thinking back to a conference of nonprofit news organizations that I attended last year in Washington, D.C. There were representatives of about 100 such organizations at the conference, from all over the United States.

When we were asked to introduce ourselves and say a little about our publications (or in many cases, websites), the people in attendance were fairly amazed that 1.) A newspaper for senior citizens in Wichita, Kan. had 53,000 subscribers, and 2.) Those subscribers had donated more than $100,000 to The Active Age’s operations during the previous year.

Mary Corrigan

Diana Breit Wolfe

From the Editor Both numbers put us in the top tier of conference attendees. I couldn’t help but be a little proud of that fact — and thankful to all the readers, writers, advertisers, volunteers and everybody else who make The Active Age possible.

Tiya Tonn

Linda Matney

will be entered in the drawing. Each $25 donation gets you another chance at the necklace. You can find all the details in the advertisement on page 3 of this month’s issue.

Lastly, please join me in thanking two long-time members of The Active Age board of directors who are stepping down: Mary Corrigan and Diana Breit Wolfe. Mary is an

Diamond drawing

To mark our latest birthday — and hopefully raise a little money toward future operations — we are holding a drawing for a diamond necklace generously donated by Mike Selzer Jewelers. Everybody who donates at least $25 between now and Jan. 31

educator and expert in the field of gerontology who’s served on the board off and on since the 1990s, including a stint as president, so she has definitely put in her time. Diana, a retired accountant, has been our treasurer for the last decade, keeping a close eye on our finances and even managing to teach a journalist how to read a balance sheet. She’s promised to keep writing columns from time to time, which I know readers will enjoy.

Two other board members, Tiya Tonn and Linda Matney, have also left the board in recent months after serving shorter but still valuable terms.

Our current board member and staff wish all four of them the best.

Contact Joe at joe@theactiveage.com.

125 S. West St., Ste 105 • Wichita, KS 67213 316-942-5385 • Fax 316-946-9180 www.theactiveage.com Published by Active Aging Publishing, Inc.

The Active Age, published the first of each month, is distributed in Butler, Harvey and Sedgwick counties.

To subscribe, call 316-942-5385, write The Active Age or visit theactiveage. com.

Editor: Joe Stumpe

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President: Sharon Van Horn Vice President: Susan Armstrong • Treasurer: Diana Wolfe Board Members: Mary Corrigan • Steve Criser • Al Higdon • Darnell Holopirek Tim Marlar • Jamee Ross • Patti Sullivan • Tiya Tonn

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Page 6

Roller derby From Page 1

worked with IT systems for 23 years for Sedgwick County, first for the sheriff ’s department and then the district attorney’s office. She credits a local attorney with suggesting Sweet Assassin, a name that juxtaposes Patrick’s outgoing, fun demeanor with her drive.

Her teammates often just call her Sweet. To complete the persona, her jersey number is 187, the penal code for murder.

About six years ago, Patrick ramped up her roller derby game and started participating on regional teams such as the Usual Suspects — a Kansas City-based team she joined last year — and TBD, which stands for Team Bad Derby. The Usual Suspects claimed a championship in Kansas City last month.

Her retirement last year freed up time to join more teams, including

Golden From Page 1

decades focusing on bachelors and bachelorettes in their 20s and 30s.

Both Chapple and Vassos are 61.

In an interview with KMUW from Los Angeles, Chapple said he didn’t even know the show existed until his daughter nominated him to be a contestant. Now, he feels honored to be able to represent his hometown on national television.

“One of the first things I said out there is, ‘What’s this Kansas farm boy doing here on TV?’ ” said Chapple, who started his current company, Insurance Services Group, in 2020.

“To represent Kansas, I was very proud to do it.”

In the season finale that aired last month, Chapple proposed in a picturesque setting in Bora Bora.

Vassos accepted Chapple’s proposal.

“I’ve been waiting forever to do this,” he said before getting down on one knee. “Joan, will you marry me?”

“Of course, I’ll marry you,” Vassos replied.

Both Chapple and Vassos lost their previous partners to cancer.

Vassos’ former husband, John Vassos, died of pancreatic cancer in 2021.

Chapple’s former fiancée, Katherine White Goree, died of brain cancer in 2022.

Chapple said he’s glad to be part of a show that’s helping to encourage more people to search for love later in life.

“I’ve told people, you’re never too old to fall in love — 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s,” he said. “If you want to live your life

the active age out-of-state and ones where she can find more diversity and inclusion as a woman of color.

“I go wherever I can skate just because I love the sport. It’s very fun.”

Bonny Patrick In roller derby, each team puts four blockers and one jammer on the track. The jammer, who wears a star on her helmet, has to pass the other team’s blockers and make a full lap to score points. The blockers play defense and try to keep the other team’s jammer from scoring. Patrick has played both positions but tends to play the jammer more often.

Patrick estimates she’s participated in more than 400 games. Her favorite league is USA Roller Sports.

“It’s faster and it feels more competitive,” Patrick said. Plus, she likes the fact that USARS is open to all ages and has mixed-gender teams.

She spends a lot of time on skates, with someone, you’ve got to open up.

And that’s what I did.”

Filming for the show took place over the summer. Chapple seemed to be a clear frontrunner from the second episode, when Vassos chose him to go on the coveted first one-on-one date of the season.

That date, Vassos would later say, was the first time she was able to picture her future with anyone besides her late husband.

Their romance looked briefly uncertain when Chapple temporarily left the competition because of a tragedy in his own life. His mother, forensic pathologist Jill Cobb, died after a battle with cancer, and he flew back to Wichita. He returned to the Bachelor Mansion in Los Angeles before the end of the episode.

Kansas was featured on the show when Chapple brought Vassos to Wichita for a “hometown date.” The pair didn’t spend much on-screen time in Wichita itself, instead visiting a ranch dotted with hay bales owned

by Chapple’s friend, car dealer Roger Scholfield.

Chapple and his family planted a tree to honor Cobb’s memory.

Chapple said he’s aware of some criticism by Wichitans on social media over the countrified depiction of the city. He would’ve liked to visit the city itself, he said, but it ended up being too difficult to accommodate the 30 friends and family members who attended the gathering.

“It turned into a great opportunity, a memorial for my mother,” he said, “which was just a blessing.”

The season didn’t have a clear villain, but Chapple did irritate some

with nightly practices Tuesday through Thursday, two sessions on Saturdays and one on Sunday at the Roller City rink near 32nd Street and South Meridian. The roller derby season runs from January through October.

She also skates between 126 to 175 trail miles a month, which means she’s clocking miles outdoors. A board member of the National Association for Justice Information Systems, Patrick skated the famed Las Vegas Boulevard when she attended the recent NAJIC conference in Sin City.

A former runner, she didn’t count on roller derby being a mentally intense sport. It requires fast thinking while zipping around in circles to prevent or score on opponents.

It’s also physically challenging.

“At 63, I never thought that I would choose a sport where I would be bent down and hunched over like I was sitting on a toilet. But it’s a workout, and I really do like it.”

And she’s not ready to hang up her competitive skates anytime soon, as she contestants on the last group date. A few men complained that Chapple was monopolizing time with Vassos.

Chapple said one of the other bachelors, Jonathan Rone, helped him understand why they might have reacted negatively.

“There were some guys that really had feelings for Joan,” Chapple said.

“To see us really at that next level of the relationship — I can’t speak for them, but I think that’s what bothered them.”

By the time Chapple proposed, he was the only suitor left in the running.

Vassos let the show’s runner-up, Guy Gansert, go before what would have been the pair’s final date.

The pair don’t have a wedding date set, and they haven’t committed yet to televising the event when it does happen, like “Golden Bachelor” Gerry Turner and winner Theresa Nist did

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December 2024 plans on “giving it another two years,” at least.

Patrick said she’s always been active. At the 45th reunion of her Wichita South High School graduating class, a former classmate remarked that she didn’t remember Patrick as being athletic. The next day, Patrick showed up in her high school letter jacket.

Recently, she’s taken up inline skating and plans to compete in her first inline competition with the Team United speed team in February. Inline skates have their wheels arranged in a single row, while the quad skates used in roller derby have two front and two rear wheels.

Patrick likes the challenge that speed skating presents since it requires her to push herself to keep bettering her time and distance, she said.

“I’m hoping to conquer the inlines.

I like competing against myself.”

Contact Amy Geiszler-Jones at algj64@sbcglobal.net. earlier this year. The pair divorced three months later.

For now, Chapple said, he’s looking forward to spending more time with Vassos. They’re trying to navigate how to split their time between Wichita, Vassos’ home in Maryland, and New York City, where they’re planning to buy an apartment.

“What we’re kind of talking about is if there’s something kind of fun to do back in Wichita, she’ll come in,” he said. “We’ve got some parties coming up for the holidays. I’ll go see her family for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“After that, we’re really going to have to kind of strategize — because to facilitate all three (places) is going to take some effort.”

Rose Conlin is a reporter based at KMUW in Wichita, where this story originally aired.

December 2024

Age-friendly

the active age

Page 7

From Page 1 “He said he wanted to be known not as an age-friendly city but as a youth-friendly city,” Bozarth said. “He had a hard time grasping that agefriendly meant friendly for all ages.”

Wichita also did not participate under Longwell’s successor, Brandon Whipple, who served until Wu defeated him last year.

The Sedgwick County Department on Aging and Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, which operates out of that department, is collaborating with the city on the age-friendly initiative.

“We’re excited for this to happen,” said Annette Graham, executive director of CPAAA. Being part of the network gives the city access to technical assistance from livability experts and support from AARP in developing an action plan.

According to AARP’s website, the city is now expected to: • Establish a way to include older residents in all stages of the agefriendly process • Conduct a community needs assessment • Develop an action and evaluation plan based on the assessment results and submit to AARP for review • Implement the plan and submit progress reports • Assess the impact of the plan • Share solutions, successes and best practices across the age-friendly network

Bozarth called the process a “fiveyear cycle.”

“The assessment is generally done in first year. The second year, they Mayor Lily Wu develop an action plan on what they’ll work on. In years three through five, they implement the plan and track progress.

“In year five, there’s an assessing process. Once that happens, they start over and do another community assessment and develop an action plan around that.”

AARP offers communities a 15page needs assessment survey they can use or adapt, available in English, Spanish, printed and digital versions.

The survey is specifically geared toward finding out what older residents think about their community.

Wu, however, said the city may use the community survey it currently utilizes, which is sent to 5,000 randomly selected households and is designed to capture residents’ feelings about the city’s economy, safety, utilities and seven other areas.

Wu and Graham both said they’d like to see the results of the AARP community assessment survey done when Wichita previously belonged to the age-friendly network. However, Bozarth said the city withdrew from the network before that survey was completed.

The confusion may stem from the fact that the city, CPAAA and AARP also worked together on a

neighborhood walkability assessment, bringing livability expert Dan Burden to town. That led to Grandparents Park being built to serve the Schweiter and Sunnyside neighborhoods. The half-acre park, located where the city had been maintaining two vacant lots, features an exercise station for seniors and a playground for children, walking trail and park benches. AARP Kansas paid for most of the $21,850 cost of the park.

In 2019, AARP released results of a livability survey of Wichita, reporting that well-maintained hospitals and healthcare facilities, safe streets and sidewalks, affordable transportation and neighborhood parks ranked high in that survey. It appears that about 140 people responded to that survey.

According to AARP, many agefriendly communities use a framework called “8 Domains of Livability” in developing an action plan, typically focusing on a few at a time. The “domains” are outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; work and civic engagement; communication and information; and community and health services.

After consulting with other City Council members and the city’s Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights Advisory Board, Wu said Wichita would focus on housing, social participation and communication and information.

Topeka is the only other Kansas city active in the age-friendly network, joining in May. AARP’s website shows that most of the age-friendly

communities are concentrated on the coasts and upper Midwest. On its website, AARP said most age-friendly communities had achieved changes in public policy, attracted public and private investments and improved livability for older residents through the initiative.

There is no cost to cities participating in the age-friendly network, and Wu said she did not anticipate the city spending more on senior-related services as a result. “It’s not necessarily adding more, it’s how you allocate the current dollars you have.”

Maddy Campbell, supervisor of the city’s office of community services, has been assigned to work on the project.

The city provides few seniorrelated services, instead relying on Sedgwick County, which this year collected about $2.7 million in property taxes for that purpose but primarily pays for services with state and federal funds. The county commission has set the aging department’s budget for 2025 at $20.6 million, down 8 percent from this year’s budget.

In 2022, Wichita State University joined the Age-Friendly University Network. Earlier this year, the Kansas Health Institute, a Topeka-based nonprofit, started Age-Friendly Kansas to develop a healthy aging action plan for the state. While not connected to AARP’s network, Graham said they “are kind of interrelated.”

“I think it’s a good time for the city to be doing this.”

As Wichita officials consider ways to make the city more age-friendly, they might consider the last major effort in that direction. A 2009 report, titled “Revitalizing Communities for All Generations: Visioning a Livable Wichita Region,” is full of intriguing ideas that have never been pursued.

The report emerged from a workshop at Wichita State University attended by more than 100 community member and experts on aging. The workshop concentrated on what could be done to help seniors age in their homes as long as possible — the overriding preference of a majority — and how intergenerational experiences might contribute to that.

"More and more older adults live or socialize in age-isolated facilities, essentially cut off from the greater community," the report stated. "With families as spread out as they are, assisted living facilities and nursing homes have become the de facto solution for older adults who might need only a minimal level of care. Yet,

these 'solutions' are anything but. They are financially burdensome and leave older adults at risk of social isolation and other psychological and physical health problems."

Areas the report highlighted included: Transportation. The report noted that seniors who no longer drive may be intimidated by public transportation. One option mentioned was for Wichita to bring a branch of the Independent Transportation Network of America here. ITN, which has affiliates across the country, uses volunteers to provide free or lowcost rides for those who can’t drive themselves.

Housing. Two challenges were noted in the report: many older adults live in homes that were not designed or built with their needs in mind, and many adults also have trouble keeping up with yard work and home repairs.

The report cited Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit with affiliates across the country that modifies and repairs

the homes of low-income and older residents.

Zoning. The report suggested that seniors would benefit if local governments allowed Accessory Dwelling Units. ADUs are selfcontained housing units that are either in or adjacent to a single-family home.

Seniors could supplement their income by renting out ADUs in their homes, or rent an ADU in somebody else’s home as an alternative to going into a senior-only facility. Santa Cruz, Calif., was cited as a leader in this area.

Intergenerational Living/

Activities. The report detailed several examples of intergenerational communities and programs, including Hope Meadows, an Illinois community in which the families of adopted foster children live alongside older adults, who volunteer as “honorary grandparents” in exchange for discounted rent. In one small Massachusetts town, advocates of a new high school and new senior center decided to put them in the same building, with each age group learning and benefiting from the other.

2009 report could offer starting points for age-friendly plan

Times are uncertain. Your funeral plans don’t have to be.

Call 316-682-4553 for information about pre-planning a funeral. www.dlwichita.com

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Page 8

the active age

December 2024

What I learned from writing three Kansas books in three years:culture, controversy and courage

By Roxie Yonkey Kansas Reflector I wrote three books about Kansas in three years. During my travels, I heard that James Bond is buried in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Pittsburg. I couldn’t find 007. Instead, I found multiple languages carved on tombstones and the Mishmash family graves. A mish-mash is a jumble of objects. It’s also a Bulgarian dish akin to a breakfast skillet.

That cemetery in the state’s Little Balkans is a statewide metaphor.

Far from flat, bland and boring, the state has stood at the forefront of controversy since its inception. The Sunflower State’s goulash of geography extends from the Ozark Plateau in the southeast to the Arikaree Breaks in the northwest. The hope of a better life and the state’s Free State reputation attracted many immigrants, who provided a cornucopia of culture and cuisine.

In the 1870s, Kansas attracted Exodusters, formerly enslaved people fleeing segregation. However, Kansas still allowed some segregation. Because of this, Kansas became a leader in civil rights cases. The Webb vs. District No. 90 dispute began when the Merriam school board forbade black students to attend a new grade school. Instead, they were shunted to the decrepit Madam C.J. Walker School.

Helen Swan explained the situation to her white employer, Esther Brown. Swan, Brown, Alfonso and Mary Webb and others joined the NAACP. With NAACP support, they hired teachers for their children and filed a lawsuit. In response, Brown’s father-in-law fired her husband, and the FBI investigated her.

Eventually, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in their favor, allowing the children to start school in September 1949. Five years later, Brown assisted with Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, overturning educational segregation nationwide.

Not all immigrants arrived voluntarily. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forcibly pushed many Indigenous nations out of Indiana into present-day

Kansas. (Ironically, “Indiana” means “Land of Indians.”)

Leavenworth’s streets bear the exiled nations’ names.

The government promised housing for the Potawatomi Roxie Yonkey Nation’s Mission Band at the end of their 660mile Trail of Death. Instead, only desolation greeted them near presentday Osawatomie in November 1837.

The Prairie Band invited them to their home at St. Mary’s Mission near present-day Centerville. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne ministered at the mission, the only Catholic saint to live in Kansas.

However, immigration was catastrophic for Indigenous nations already in the state. Before the Civil War, they suffered from displaced Eastern Indigenous nations moving past the “Permanent Indian Frontier.” Life worsened after the war. The Homestead and Pacific Railway Acts of 1862 assigned Indigenous land to railroads and settlers. War ensued.

Fresh from Civil War glory, Winfield Scott Hancock’s heavyhanded tactics failed, forcing him to

Guest Column

meet Indigenous leaders at Medicine Lodge Creek in 1867. The resulting treaties brought no peace. Congress was too busy impeaching President Andrew Johnson in 1868 to appropriate the promised peacekeeping payments. Therefore, raiding resumed.

Gen. Philip Sheridan repeated the total war tactics he had applied in Civil War Virginia. Slaughtering bison proved an effective way to force Indigenous peoples onto reservations.

Medicine Lodge also housed two of the state’s most intriguing characters, Carry Nation and Sockless Jerry Simpson. Originally Carrie Nation, she eventually changed her name to Carry in order to “Carry A. Nation to Prohibition.” She started her saloon-smashing career in 1900 while living in Medicine Lodge. She threw rocks at saloons in nearby Kiowa.

The trademark hatchet came later in Wichita.

Ten years earlier, Simpson ran for Congress as a Populist during a drought and national economic crisis. His opponent, Wichita’s James Reed Hallowell, wore silk stockings.

Hallowell derided Simpson for his socklessness. Simpson accepted the “Sockless Jerry” title and won the

The Mishmash family grave plot is located in Pittsburg. election.

Kansas stepped up again during World War II. When Army Air Corps General Henry “Hap” Arnold demanded an impossible bomber production schedule, Kansas delivered.

The state became a series of pilot training airfields and aircraft factories.

Wichita was already the Air Capital of the World, but its World War II performance cemented the title.

John James Ingalls devised a better state motto, “Ad Astra per Aspera,” than he perhaps realized. Kansas has reached toward the stars through plenty of “aspera,” from war to locust plagues. We own a resilient heritage.

The stars await.

Roxie Yonkey of Goodland is the author of “100 Things to Do in Kansas Before You Die,” “Secret Kansas” and “Historic Kansas Roadsides,” all published by Reedy Press. Follow her at roxieontheroad.com.

Photos by Roxie Yonkley

The former Madam C.J. Walker School now serves as a church.

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The "Secret Recipe" When Caring for a Loved One Who's Not Able to Care for Themselves Here are the top 5 ingredients of the “secret recipe” for moving forward when dealing with a parent who needs help properly care for themselves.

Step 1: It’s Not Your Fault You didn’t cause this. Let go of the guilt, the shame, and regrets.

Step 2: You Are Not in Control Remind yourself every day to let go and let God. Step 3: You’re Not Alone There is help available and support groups to tap into.

Step 4: Discover Options There are experts that provide the 24/7 comfort and love your loved one needs.

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December 2024

Young Wichitan won glory, paid with his life at Battle of the Bulge

By Bob Rives Eighty years ago this month, a desperate Adolf Hitler caught the western allies off guard by launching one of the largest attacks in military history — what came to be called the Battle of the Bulge.

And a young Wichitan’s desperate fighting helped the allies stave off defeat.

Richard Eller Cowan was born in Lincoln, Neb., but grew up in Wichita, attending North High and then Friends University near the family’s home on North Glenn. Cowan eventually transferred to Oberlin College in Ohio, where his grandfather, father and uncles had graduated.

In mid-December 1944, he was a 22-year-old private first class and heavy machine gunner serving in the forests of Belgium.

According to the official record, German tank fire killed or wounded all but three men in Cowan’s section.

Cowan “maintained his position, holding off the Germans until the rest of the shattered force had set up a new line along a firebreak. Then, unaided, he moved his machine gun and ammunition to the second position.

At the approach of a Royal Tiger tank, he held his fire until about 80 enemy infantrymen supporting the tank appeared at a distance Richard of about 150 yards.

Cowan His first burst killed or wounded about half of those infantrymen. His position was rocked by an 88-mm shell when the tank opened fire, but he continued to man his gun, pouring deadly fire into the Germans when they again advanced.”

Cowan covered the withdrawal of his comrades. He was killed by enemy fire the next day and awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor, posthumously.

Cowan’s body was returned to Kansas in 1947 and is buried at Wichita Park Cemetery. After a member of American Legion Post No. 4 found the gravesite overgrown in 2021, the post adopted the site and has held a wreath-laying ceremony there every Memorial Day. The Military Order of the Purple Heart 558 is also named in his honor.

Contact Bob Rives at bprives@gmail. com.

Sing in holidays at school museum The McCormick School Museum holds several holiday events this month.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 6, the annual holiday open houses will feature more than 300 students singing — a different group each half-hour — and the historic school building will be open for tours. The open house continues from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8, and a carol singing around the tree is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12. The museum is again selling Christmas ornaments for $20 and tinker bells for $10. The museum is located at 855 S. Martinson. For more information, visit mccormickschoolmuseuminc.com or call (316) 708-0676.

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December 2024

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December Theatre

Find your place.

By Diana Morton Forum Theatre, at the Wilke Center, 1st United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Based on the beloved movie, this musical revolves around two World War II buddies who decide to help their former commanding general save his struggling Vermont inn. Dec 5-22.

8pm; Tickets $34 – $44 each; 10% military discount and 1/2 price student tickets with a valid student ID. 316618-0444 Mosley Street Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley. Die Hard Candy Christmas by Ryan Schafer and Steve Hitchcock. A send-up of the classic action-packed Christmas movie — with a sweet twist.

Followed by the “Definitely Christmas” musical comedy revue. Now – Dec 22. Tickets, dinner, and show $36-40; show only $26-30. 316-263-0222 Prairie Pines Murder Mystery Theatre, Catch That Falling Star. When the star of the televised extravaganza is

killed off by a falling stage light, it’s up to the beautiful detective to solve the mystery and sing a few Christmas songs along the way. Now – Dec 23.

Tickets are available at prairiepinesplayhouse.com or call 316-303-2037 Roxy’s Downtown, 412 E. Douglas, cabaret-style theatre. Golden Girls.

Now in its eighth go-round at Roxy’s, join the zany crew for an all-new episode. Doors open at 6:30pm; Show begins at 8:00pm. Now – Dec 29.

Tickets $40. 316-265-4400 Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain. A Christmas Carol, by Joe Landry. The Charles Dickens story comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast complete with vintage commercials, live sound effects and musical underscoring. Performances are at 8 pm Thursday through Saturday with a 2 pm Sunday matinee, Dec 5-15. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for military/ seniors/students. 316-686-1282 Contact Diana Morton at dianamorton12@sbcglobal.net

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Stay informed about upcoming events and expansion updates by scanning the QR code, or call 316-202-4147.

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December 2024

Language no barrier when it came to this friendship

By Ted Blankenship When our son Tedd was at Wichita State, he worked for a roofing company in the summer. Next to him most of the time was a 26-year-old from Bangkok,Thailand.

Prasan Powthong was a WSU student too, but one with a degree in mechanical engineering from Bangkok University International. His parents, owners of a banana plantation, sent him to Wichita to learn English, to better serve his country when he came home.

Tedd and Prasan became close friends and decided the young engineer should become a member of our household, which consisted of Dorothy and me, our two daughters and Tedd.

We moved the girls into one room and Prasan took the third one.

He quickly became a member of the family.

His English was coming along,

but his Thai often returned with a vengeance. For example, once he and Dorothy were on our flat-roofed house with a gallon of bright yellow paint.

No one remembers what needed to be painted yellow, but one of them dumped a gallon of it on the roof.

Prasan came down two rungs at a time, shouting all the way in Thai.

Once, we took him fishing with my uncle in Cottonwood Falls.

Riding in the bow of the boat, he was unimpressed and wondered why we would waste all that time dragging a tiny lure through the water when there were nets that would catch bigger fish faster. And other methods as well.

“At home,” he said, “we just drop a couple of electric wires in the water and load the fish in the boat.”

One of Prasan’s traits that would have outweighed any problems he might have caused was his cooking.

His mother was a fantastic cook who taught all her recipes to Prasan, who sometimes cooked at home while other family members tended the bananas. Prasan cooked for us while he was with us and later became a chef at a Wichita country club. His specialty

was stir fry, made with a Thai hot sauce hotter than any found in Central America.

Prasan couldn’t live without rice, and often visited a Vietnamese family to get a fix. Recently, I was thinking about him, looked him up on the internet and sadly, found his obituary.

Wherever he is, I hope they have a good supply of rice and hot sauce.

Contact Ted at tblankenship218@ gmail.com.

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December quiz: Pondering Christmases past and present

2. In what country did Parliament make Christmas celebrations illegal from 1647 to 1660?

3. What Christmas drink began

as a posset, a drink made in 14th century England, with hot milk that was curdled with ale or wine?

4. What plant has been associated with love and kisses ever since it was used in Greek and Roman marriage ceremonies?

5. What musical tradition, originally known as wassailing, was strongly influenced by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century?

6. In the 15th century Netherlands, what would poor

children place by the fireplace or outside the door so that the Sinterklass would fill them?

7. The song “Silent Night” was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 in Oberndorf, a village in the Black Forest of what country?

8. What minister’s 1822 Christmas poem was used by political cartoonist Thomas Nast to produce the first modern image of Santa Claus?

9. The tradition of lighting a colossal Christmas tree in this New York City location dates back to 1931 when workers pooled their money to buy a 20-foot balsam fir?

10. What ninth reindeer was added to the original eight when a 1939 Robert May story was set to music and recorded by Gene Autry?

11. In the UK, what name is given to the day after Christmas when the money was traditionally distributed to the poor?

12. People from what country line up to purchase Kentucky Fried Chicken for their Christmas celebrations?

Answers:

1. Fruitcake 2. England 3. Eggnog 4. Mistletoe 5. Christmas caroling 6. Wooden shoes 7. Germany 8. Clement Moore 9. Rockefeller Center 10. Rudolph 11. Boxing Day 12. Japan

By Nancy Wheeler Our Christmas quiz comes but once a year. See how much you know about this the holiday. The answers appear below.

1. What much-maligned traditional Christmas bread was placed in the great pyramids and later carried

by Roman soldiers for nourishment?

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the active age

How to write a living will

Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best way to go about writing a living will? I’m approaching age 73 and in poor health and would like to get this done without spending a lot of money.

— Need Help Dear Need, Preparing a living will now is a smart decision that gives you say in how you want to be treated at the end of your life. Here’s what you should know, along with some resources to help you write one.

What to Prepare To adequately spell out your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment you need two legal documents: A “living will” which tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated, and a “health care power of attorney” (or health care proxy), which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to.

These two documents are known as an “advance directive,” and will only be utilized if you are too ill to make medical decisions yourself. You can

also change or update it whenever you please.

It isn’t necessary to hire a lawyer to prepare an advance directive. There are a number of free or low-cost doit-yourself resources available today to help you create one, and it takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Some top options include: CaringInfo.org: This is a program created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that provides free state-specific living will forms that you can download, print and fill out. Or you can call 800-6588898 and they will mail them to you and answer any questions you may have.

MyDirectives.com: If you’d rather create a digital (online only) advance directive, MyDirectives is an online tool and mobile app that will help you create, store and share a detailed, customized digital advance directive.

FiveWishes.org: This is another top-rated resource for creating a comprehensive paper or digital advance directive. They charge $5 for the paper form and $15 for the digital version,

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which is stored on the website that you or your family can access anytime.

VA Advance Directive: If you’re a veteran, the VA also provides a free advance directive form specifically for you at VA.gov/find-forms/aboutform-10-0137.

Other Options If you’re interested in making an entire estate plan that will include your will and/or trust, power of attorney and advance directive, there are many doit-yourself online services that typically run between $100 and $250. Some top services include Quicken WillMaker & Trust software (WillMaker.com), Trust & Will (TrustandWill.com), and Legal Zoom (LegalZoom.com), which also makes basic living wills for only $39.

Or, if you’d rather have a professional do it for you, contact an estate planning attorney. See NAELA.org or NAEPC.org to help you locate someone in your area. Costs will vary depending on where you live, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $2,000 for a basic estate plan.

Add-ons You should also consider getting a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) as part of your advance directive, since advanced directives do little to protect you from unwanted emergency care like CPR. To create a DNR, ask your doctor to fill out a state appropriate form and sign it.

Another tool you should know about that will complement your

advance directive is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, or POLST (sometimes called Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, or MOLST). A POLST form translates your end-of-life wishes into medical orders to be honored by your doctors.

To learn more about your state’s program or set one up, see POLST.org.

Tell Your Family To ensure your final wishes are followed, make sure to tell your family members, health care proxy and doctors so they all know what you want.

You should also provide them copies of your advance directive or if you create a digital version, make sure you share it electronically.

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

Get More Savvy

Find more tips from Savvy Senior at theactiveage.com. Topics this month include: * Best Pill Boxes and Medication Management Tools * How to Know if You’re Getting Osteoporosis * How to Choose a Memory Care Unit for a Loved One with Dementia

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NOTE: The Active Age prints information about events as space permits.

To submit information email Joe at joe@theactiveage.com or call 316-942-5385.

Sedgwick County Senior Centers

BEL AIRE 7651 E Central Park Ave 744-2700, ext 304 www.belaireks.org

BENTLEY/EAGLE 504 W Sterling, 796-0027 CHENEY 516 Main, 542-3721

GARDEN PLAIN 1006 N Main, 535-1155

GODDARD 122 N Main, 785-398-1255 HAYSVILLE 160 E Karla, 529-5903 KECHI Kechi City Building, 744-0217, 744-1271

CLEARWATER 921 E Janet, 584-2332 DERBY 611 N Mulberry Rd, 788-0223 www.derbyks.com DOWNTOWN 200 S Walnut, 267-0197 www.seniorservicesofwichita.org

MT HOPE 105 S Ohio, 667-8956

MULVANE 632 E Mulvane, 777-4813 NORTHEAST 212 1 E 21st, 269-4444 OAKLAWN 2937 Oaklawn Dr, 524-7545

LA FAMILIA 841 W 21st, 267-1700

ORCHARD PARK 4808 W 9th, 942-2293

LINWOOD 1901 S Kansas, 263-3703

PARK CITY 6100 N Hydraulic, 744-1199

MCADAMS GOLDEN AGE 1329 E 16th, 337-9222

VALLY CENTER COMMUNITY CENTER 314 E Clay, 755-7350

EDGEMOOR 5815 E 9th, 688-9392

Butler County Senior Centers

ANDOVER 410 Lioba Dr, 733-4441 www.andoverks.com AUGUSTA 640 Osage, 775-1189 BENTON Lion’s Community Bldg, S Main St CASSODAY Cassoday Senior Center 133 S. Washington, 620-735-4538

DOUGLASS 124 W 4th, 746-3227 EL DORADO 210 E 2nd, 321-0142 LEON 112 S Main, 745-9200 or 742-9905 ROSE HILL 207 E Silknitter, 776-0170

December 18 10 am Ulrich Museum of Art, 1845 N. Fairmount. Info not available.

1:30 pm Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E 29th St N. Info not available.

December 25 10 am Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main.

Info not available.

1:30 pm Mid American All-Indian museum. 650 N Seneca (316) 3503340, $2 + tax admission; free for MAAIM members. Info not available.

Dances

Derby Sr Center, 611 Mulberry.

3rd Tuesday 7pm-9:30 pm.

El Dorado Jam & Dance, Senior Center, 210 E. 2nd.

Linwood Golden Age, 1901 S Kansas. Every Saturday 7pm-9:30pm. Call Jim 316-945-9451 Minisa Golden Age, 704 W 13th. Info 617-2560. Every Thursday 7pm9:30pm. Call Rita 316-364-1702 Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S. Clifton.

Contra Dance1st Saturday of each month.

7pm-9pm. Call Amanda at 316-361-6863.

Orchard Park Golden Age, 4808 W 9th. Every Friday 7pm-9:30pm. Call Casey 316-706-7464

Harvey County HALSTEAD 523 Poplar, 835-2283

www.seniorwednesday.org

December 11 10 am Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Blvd. (316) 266-8213, $4 No Program.

1:30 pm Advanced Learning Library, 711 W, 2nd, (316) 2618500, Free. Info not available.

WHITEWATER Legion Hall, 108 E Topeka

BURRTON 124 N Burrton, 620-463-3225

Senior Wednesdays December 4 10:30 am Wichita Art Museum 1400 W. Museum Blvd., $2 admission. Holiday Party.

1:30 pm Museum of World Treasures 835 E. 1st St. Info not available.

TOWANDA 317 Main, 316-536-8999 Open 10:30 am-5 pm Mon, Wed, Fri

HESSTON Randall & Main, 620-327-5099 www.hesstonseniorcenter.com NEWTON AREA SENIOR CENTER 122 E 6th, Newton, 283-2222 www.newtonseniorcenter.com SEDGWICK 107 W. Fifth, 772-0393

Friendship Meals Aging Projects serves a hot, nutritious meal weekdays for persons 60 and older in Sedgwick, Harvey and Butler counties.

Reservations are necessary. For locations and reservations, call 316-686-0074.

WEEK OF DECEMBER 2 Mon: Speghetti w/meat sauce, garden salad, peaches, garlic bread stick.

Tue: New England Stew, broccoli, cauliflower and carrot salad, mixed fruit, whole wheat muffin.

Wed: Creamed chicken over biscuit, herbed green beans, pears diced.

Thu: Beef chili, mixed vegetables, spiced apples, cinnamon roll.

Fri: Beef cutlet w/ spanish sauce, spanish rice, corn o'brien, pineapple.

WEEK OF DECEMBER 9 Mon: Salmon noodle cass w/ peas, harvard beets, peaches.

Tue: Cheese pizza, garden salad, apricots.

Wed: Meat loaf, baked potato, creamed peas, banana, wheat roll.

Thu: BBQ chicken, roasted garlic mashed potato, green beans, applesauce.

Fri: Shepherds pie w/ mashed potato, 3 bean salad, pineapple.

WEEK OF DECEMBER 16 Mon: Mexican Lasagna, refired beans, hominy, mandarian oranges.

Tue: Fish sticks, cole slaw, orange, wheat roll.

Wed: Liver & onions OR beef cutlet w/ beef gravy, corn, mixed fruit, wheat bread.

Thu: Chicken fried steak, mashed potato w/ gravy, carrots, peaches, wheat roll.

Fri: Pork chop, mashed potato w/gravy, seasoned green beans, pears, wheat roll.

Sedgwick County

WEEK OF DECEMBER 23 Mon: Taco Burger, potato wedges, brocoli, mixed fruit.

Tue: HOLIDAY. Wed: HOLIDAY. Thu: Beef & Cabbage over mashed potatoes, parsley carrots, fresh orange.

Fri: Cranberry Meatballs, baked potato, winter mix, apricots.

Butler County Transit

WEEK OF DECEMBER 30 Mon: Beef chili, cole slaw, banana, cinnamon roll.

Tue: Scalloped Potaotes & Ham, mixed vegetables, mixed fruit.

Harvey County

* Milk is served with all meals. Meals fall within the following ranges: Calories 650-750; protein 25 grams or higher; fat 20 to 30 percent of calories; calcium 400 mg or higher; sodium 1,000 grams or less; fiber 9 grams or higher.

Transportation Sedgwick Co Transportation, 660-5150 or 1-800-367-7298. Information: 8 am-5 pm, Mon-Fri; closed most holidays. www. sedgwickcounty.org/aging.

Prairie Wind Dancers: Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N Clifton. Joyce, 683-1122.

Village Steppers Square Dance, Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S Clifton. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month September through May 7:30 - 10:00 pm. Info: Mike Huddleson 316-650-2469 Westside Steppers Square Dance, 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, 6-8:30 p.m., West Heights United Methodist (entrance "D"), 745 N. Westlink Ave. Info: Sheldon Lawrence (316) 648-7590.

NOTE: AGING PROJECTS, INC. PLANNED TO MAKE FRIENDSHIP MEALS AVAILABLE THROUGH PICKUP AND DELIVERY IF NECESSARY. FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MEAL SITE OR CALL 316-686-0074

Weekday transportation in El Dorado, Augusta and Andover. Rides to Wichita on Wed, Thu. Information: Augusta, 775-0500; El Dorado, 322-4321; toll free, 1-800-2793655. 48-hr notice required.

Transportation reservations or information: 316-284-6802 or 1-866-6806802. Round-trip: $8 Newton (wheelchair only), $12 Harvey County, $20 outside Harvey County. AVI to Newton: Tue, 12:304:30 pm from Burrton, Sedgwick, Halstead, Hesston, Walton.

www.theactiveage.com

FUNDING MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT, KDADS AND CENTRAL PLAINS AREA AGENCY ON AGING

Page 18

the active age

December 2024

Classified Advertising

F BATH SAFETY F

F FOR SALE F

WE INSTALL EASY ACCESS Walk-in Showers Huge Senior Discounts "Bathe Safer" 316-633-9967

Like New Lazy Boy Recliner. $550. Cost $924 new.

Purchased April 2024. Call 316-272-5499.

www.bathroomheadquarters.com

F CEMETERY PROPERTY FOR SALE F White Chapel, Memorial Gardens, Garden of Nativity, Section 288D, spaces 2, 3 and 4. Value $6,000. Sell $3,500. Seller pays transfer fee.

785-259-2224 White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Garden of Nativity. Single plot. $1,000, buyer pays transfer fees. 316-838-5611 Old Mission, Acacia Garden. 2 adjoining lots, section C row F graves 30&31. $975 each OBO. Email campgill@gmail.com or call 971-222-4115.

2 plots at Resthaven. Garden of Freedom. Lot 126 C, spaces 3&4. Call 316-207-5999.

Lois Thompson

OxyGoFit portable oxygen concentrator, 1-3 LPM. Newer column assembly, 2 batteries, case. Excellent condition, used infrequently. $1200 negotiable. Chuck 316-655-5289, Dee 316-213-3483.

STAIR CHAIR LIFT—Staying Home Corp, Legacy Stairlift; 13’5”w/2 remotes; good condition; purchased 10/2015; $800 OBO. 316-708-2088 Used Jazzy Power chair. $75. Bob 316-641-7499 20" Chrome wheels. Fits 2011-2013 SRX Cadillac $150. One donut spare rim fits same model $75. Call 316-648-0336.

Folding Scooter and wheelchair. 48" long 27 3/4 wide 3" deep. Mounts to a 2" hitch with folding ramp. 71lbs.

Holds up to 500lbs. $100. Call Newton316-734-9708 Shower buddy wheel chair(wheel into shower). Brand new/never used. $1,300. Call Karrie 316-200-6934

F FREE PETS F

316-516-8815 316-722-2100

Dachshund/Spaniel mix looking for good home with someone or family who will give him attention and love. He is 9yrs old, 25lbs, very friendly, likes children, and does not like traveling in a vehicle. He has no health issues and is current on vaccinations. He is house trained and does not wander far when off leash. I would propose a 2 week trial to see if he fits well in your life. If we decide that it's not a good fit then I would seek another adoption.

CallTerry 316 200 7987

F CLEANING SERVICES F

Kittens looking for new home. 2 black and 2 gray.

Call 316-205-3109

Serving families for 30 years with preneed arrangements at all Dignity Memorial Locations

Experienced and reliable house cleaning.

Offering thorough cleaning with attention to detail.

Local references available.

For a spotless home call or text 316-518-7078 or 316-779-6217.

BROOKE’S CLEANING Self-owned professional cleaning.

Weekly, bi-weekly and monthly service’s A thorough deep clean each time!

Call 316-706-1022 Get a quote today to get your house ready for the holidays!

F COMPUTER SPECIALISTF Hate calling random people or family about your computer and cell phone issues? Call Crista with abcd TECH instead! Call or text today 316.768.7832

F ELECTRICAL F Alpha Electric Dependable Electrical Service Call Greg at 316-312-1575 Insured, Lic. #1303

F ESTATE SALES F IPK Enterprises Estate Sales.

Know your options, you have many. Please call us for a free consultation. 316-806-3435.

F ENTERTAINMENTF (Dixieland Music)

Contact: Dennis Schmidt Call or Text: 316-680-7460

Booking for Fall & Winter Events Fun Music for great entertainment

F FOOT CARE F FOOT CARE IN YOUR HOME

Cheryl Rosine ~ The Foot Lady ICMT RN

• 316-312-2025 •

Benjamin Jones ~ CNAICR

• 316-932-8524•

$40: In-home, Sedgwick & surrounding counties Diabetic, thick toe nails, ingrown & callous care

F FURNITURE F Downsizing?

Don't have an Auction, or Estate Sale.

We Buy Entire Estates.

Call Kelly 316-283-8536.

Furniture Warehouse 200 Main Newton, KS

F HAIR STYLINGF Hair Solutions by Sherry Perms * Cuts * Colors Men, Woman & Children 1 person Salon

Jingle in for a Jolly New Hair Do

Call for an appointment Sherry Brown 316-207-1760

F HANDYMAN SERVICES F PITTMAN'S HANDYMAN SERVICES, LLC • Interior/Exterior Painting • Room Additions • Basement Finishing • Kitchen & Bathrooms • Siding & Sheetrock • Hauling & Clean Up • Gutter Cleaning • Flood & Fire Damage • Repairs • Lawn Service • Plumbing • Electrical No Job Too Big or Small...

WE DO THEM ALL! Call 316-409-7341

Professional Handyman

20+ yrs. experience High Quality Work, Reasonable Rates, Dependable Landlord make-ready’s Painting * Sheetrock Repair * Trim work/ Woodwork Spring Clean-up

Free Estimates - Insured Call Kevin 316-807-7271

Place your ad today!

Deadline for the Jan paper is Dec 10

Place an ad: 942-5385

F HOLIDAY HELPERF

F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F

HOLIDAY HELPERS Transform Your Home for the Holidays

Molina Electric - Wichita Lic #1364 Comm. or Residential wiring. Service calls. New electric service. Troubleshooting. Cell 316-461-2199.

This season, let us take the stress out of the holiday!

Our personal Holiday Helpers are here to: Get your decorations out of storage Tree Decorating Basic House Decorating Gather Basic Holiday Needs

Call to book your personal Holiday Helper 316-518-7078

F HEALTH REMEDIESF ARE YOU STRUGGLING???

INFLAMMAT ION? ISSUES? ANXIETY? GUT ISSUES? JOINT/BODY POOR SLE PAIN? EP? I have a natural REMEDY that can help!!

Call 316-390-9000 Nurse Penni

Y? NO ENERG SKIN

F HELP WANTED F Retail Store, answering phones, waiting on customers, run errands Call 316-945-4722

F HOME CARE F Private Duty Aide with light house keeping.

Availability evenings and weekends.

References upon request.

Cynthia CNA/HHA 316-992-6711 29 YR EXPERIENCED LICENSED HOME HEALTH AIDE Providing rides to Dr etc. Home Health Care Specializing in Dementia/Diabetes/Hospice. Ref avail.

Kay 316-882-9127 Lady CNA/HHA With years of experience. Excellent references.

Can work weekends only Minimum eight hour shifts.

Call 316-516-2149

F HOME IMPROVEMENTS F Dave’s Improvements General Contractor Lic #7904 Roofing, Siding, Doors, Gutters, Windows, Storm damage repair, Senior Discount.

316-312-2177 Handyman RX- We have a remedy for almost all of your “fix-it” jobs! Light carpentry including deck and fence repair, indoor misc. repairs and installations, lawn mowing “LG or SM”, Yard & Garage clean-up, mulching, hauling miscellaneous,hauling dirt, sand, and rock/gravel upto 3.5 tons. What you need done I can probably handle. Call for HELP! Brian 316-217-0882. Free Estimates

ALL AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION • New Construction • Room Additions • Basement Finishing • Kitchen & Bathrooms • Siding & Sheetrock • Int/Ext Painting • Gutter Cleaning • Flood & Fire Damage Licensed & Insured We do all types of renovations Call 316-409-7341

Clean Gutterman Rain Gutter Cleaning

265-4048

”Stagnant water is a

ALWAYS PLUMBING breeding ground for Residential Repairs - Water Heater Replacement germ carrying - Water Service and Sewer Replacement Licensed &mosquitoes” Insured Call Phil 316-641-8741

www.cleangutterman.com

Chuck’s Flooring Carpet Installs Tile, Laminate re-stretching, repairs and more 316-553-6080

Clean Gutterman Rain Gutter Cleaning

265-4048

“You stay out of the gutter”

www.cleangutterman.com

K & A Maintenance Experts We specialize in the following

Wheel Chair Ramps • Landscaping • Remodeling Decks • Safety Hand Rails

FREE ESTIMATES

All General Maintenance and Repairs Please call Jesse at 316-854-7642

PLUMBCO

Compare Our Prices Weekly Plumbing Specials

Ins/Lic #5803 316-942-1967

Cowboy Construction Remodeling, siding, decks, fences, windows, doors and more. 20 years locally owned.

Free estimates. Senior discounts.

Todd Wenzel 316-393-4488 Molina Electric - Wichita Lic #1364 Comm. or Residential wiring. Service calls. New electric service. Troubleshooting. Cell 316-461-2199.

Derby, Haysville, Mulvane, Rose Hill, Wichita.

Exterior & Interior. House painting, siding, decks, fences and guttering. Build, repair and stain.

Free Estimates. Be Blessed. Thank you.

KC KIMBALL 316-250-2265 MOBILE GLASS REPAIR Windows * Patio * Doors Windows won’t stay up, Crank Outs, Patio Rollers and Lock Latches, Morris Glass & Service, 316-946-0745

BRICK & STONE WORK OF ANY KIND Tuck-pointing, foundation & chimney repair.

Insured. Free Estimates.

CALL DAN 316-516-3949

www.theactiveage.com

PAINTING • SIDING • SEAMLESS GUTTERING • DECKS

316.807-5180

24/7 MAIN DRAIN CLEANING Low-Cost $93 or FREE*

Visit 93orfree.com*

316-669-7533

R

December 2024

the active age

Page 19

Classified Advertising

Place an ad: 942-5385

F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F

F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F

F LAWN AND GARDEN CONTF

F SERVICES CONTF

Integrity Landscaping & Construction

Bruce Smith Roofing & Siding

Henricks Lawn Care Owner/operator 35 yrs. experience.

Lawn /tree & shrub care.

Spring & Fall cleanup, gutter cleaning. Brush Cutting. Servicing West Wichita, Goddard, Cheney, Colwich areas.

Toby Henricks 316-680-9183

Downsizing / Moving / Fall Cleaning We buy everything from individual items to whole estates. House cleanout service also available. Give us a call to learn more about all the services we provide Bud Palmer Auction 316.838.4141 BudPalmerAuction.com

• Clean Ups/Haul Off • Fences • Power Washing

• Tree Work • Decking • Trimming

**Anything Home Improvement**

Larry Massey Ben Massey 316-210-5370 316-217-7625 integrityluxurylawns@gmail.com

AGAPE ROOFING Three Generations of Local Roofers Quality Work – Fair Prices Residential & Commercial

Siding - Guttering - Windows

316-807-8650

Call for Free Roof Inspection Locally Owned by Pastor Steven Blalock Licensed & Insured

AGAPE CONSTRUCTION

Total Concrete Services

Locally Owned by Pastor Steven Blalock 10% off Senior/Military Discount

807-8650

www.agaperoofingandconstruction.com

Beard & Son Concrete Construction

Drive ways, sidewalks, patio and landscaping. Dirt work and more.

Egress Window Installation Skid Loader/Mini Skid Loader Services Licensed * Bonded * Insured

I bid’em to get’em!

Dylan 316-734-6134 or 316-259-0629

Ballard Plumbing ALL PLUMBING REPAIRS • •

FREE estimates Senior Discounts

Licensed & Insured Veteran Owned - Family Operated

Call Brad at 316-260-0136 www.BallardPHC.com

Nelsen Contracting General Contractor

Residential and Commercial

Honesty, Quality, Integrity are Key! Maintenance / Remodel / New Build

Free Initial Consultation

316-665-1644

Protect your home from the elements of the weather!

35 Years Exp. Locally owned & operated

FREE ESTIMATES

All types of roofing, siding, handyman work, hauling, clean-ups & other exterior projects

316-640-3155 Licensed & Insured Professional Handyman

20+ yrs. experience High Quality Work, Reasonable Rates, Dependable Landlord make-ready’s Painting * Sheetrock Repair * Trim work/ Woodwork Spring Clean-up

Free Estimates - Insured Call Kevin 316-807-7271

Bravo Brothers ICT Services CHRISTMAS LIGHT INSTALLATION Pressure Washing • Gutter Cleaning Deck Remodeling/Repair/Building Fence Installation/Remodeling Construction • Framework General Interior/Exterior Repairs Luxury Vinyl Plank/Hardwood Floor Installation Outdoor string light installation Se Habla Espanol Free Estimates • Insured

Salvi Bravo 316-259-6902

S & V Concrete

Steps, porches, patios, sidewalks, driveways & garage floors. Also 4-inch steps with 18-inch landings for seniors.

Licensed, bonded, insured.

Free estimates

Steve 992-6884

SENIOR HELPING SENIOR FORSHEE MASONRY- 50 Years Any Brick, Block, Stone Repair Sidewalk Leveling Senior Discount

RICK 316-945-8751 F LAWN AND GARDEN F

Jesus Landscaping Complete lawncare.

Spring clean-up * Aeration * Over Seeding Gutter cleaning * Fencing * Landscape install/ maintain * Shrub/tree trimming/removal Call for a free estimate!

316-737-3426 or 316-631-5984 WWW.JESUSLANDSCAPINGKS.COM

West Side Lawn Service FALL CLEANUP LEAVES*LEAVES*LEAVES Hauling & odd jobs Free estimates.

Perry 316-339-4117.

All Seasons Clean-Up Complete Lawn Care * Yard Clean Up * Tree Trimming * Gutter Cleaning.

Fence Repair * Decks * Home Repairs * Flooring Free estimates, senior discounts.

316-807-8649

Integrity Landscaping & Construction • Clean Ups/Haul Off • Fences • Power Washing

• Tree Work • Decking • Trimming

**Anything Home Improvement**

Larry Massey Ben Massey 316-210-5370 316-217-7625 integrityluxurylawns@gmail.com

Bruce’s Tree Service PROMPT IMMEDIATE SERVICE Complete Tree Trimming & Removal Gutter Cleaning and Leaf Rake Trees * Shrubs* Hedgerows * Evergreens Senior Discounts. Insured.

Over 30 years exp.

ALL FARM & RURAL AREAS Firewood Call 316-207-8047 STUMP GRINDING Brock 316-765-1677

Felipe Tree Service Evergreen trimming. Tree removal. Brush hauling. Splitting. Deadwooding. Free estimates. 12 years experience.

316-807-4419

Tony Rich Landscaping Landscape, Lawn Clean-Up, Tree Work, Gutters Cleaned, Dirt Work, Positive Drainage, Topsoil & Mulch Delivery

316-990-6897

MOWING

Tree Trimming Junk Removal Stump Grinding

316-518-8553 LIC & INS

Brock Eastman 316.765.1677 F PAINTING F McCoy Painting 316-516-6443 Do you need any interior or exterior painting done? I’m your man. Free estimates, affordable rates. References available..

F ROOFING F

Dave’s Improvements Inc. Preferred Roofing Contractor Lic #7904

**FREE ROOFING INSPECTIONS** Storm Damage Repair • Roofing • Siding • Doors

• Gutters • Windows • And more

Senior Discount.

316-312-2177 F SERVICES F

Sharp Edges Lawn Care Service • Mowing • Trimming • Edging • Rake Leaves • And MORE Call/Text 316-640-6327

Need help on your electric scooter, power or lift chair, stair or platform lift? Call Howard Distribution at 316-648-1694. Howard is a certified service center and dealer for Bruno, Golden Tech, Pace Saver, and Pride. Also sell new and used equipment. Working for you since 1987.

HDIkansas.com

HAULING HANDYMAN Trim • Cut • Remove Fence Repairs • Odd jobs NO JOB TOO SMALL Honest & Reasonable. 316-807-4989.

HALSIG INSURANCE

FALL IS UPON US Please call Robert for leaf and/or acorn removal, raking, and garden bed clean up or any other gardening needs.

Interior Painting 316-932-4225

F TREE SERVICE F

 Medicare Solutions  Veteran Resources  LongͲTerm Care Ins.  Estate Preservation 316Ͳ207Ͳ2377  Medicaid Assistance

Mary Halsig, Ind. Agent, Veteran HalsigInsurance.com www.theactiveage.com

Ask about our Senior Discount!

316-737-8698 • Tree Removal • Leaf Clean Up • Junk Removal • Firewood Delivery • Christmas Lighting Install • Snow Removal 316-990-6897

Going paperless?

A free digital copy of The Active Age is now available. The digital copy can be “flipped through” like a regular newspaper, and the type can be enlarged on your phone or computer. To have the digital version emailed to you each month, call (316) 942-5385 or email joe@theactiveage.com.

Page 20

the active age

December 2024

Share the Season helps mother get to needed job

Michelle has a special needs child and recently had difficulty finding a daycare provider that could accommodate the child’s needs. Michelle had to miss several days at work because of the daycare situation. Unfortunately, this led to her eventually losing her job.

Immediately, Michelle began to look for a new job but got behind on her utility bills while still trying to pay for all the necessities. Before long, she was able to secure a new job that allowed her to do home health care while her child was at school.

Since she was driving regularly to her patients’ homes, she needed reliable transportation. Her car needed some

SHARE THE SEASON Helping working families in need since 2000

To donate: Visit sharetheseason.net to donate online. You can also mail a check with your donation to Share The Season, PO Box 485, Wichita, KS, 672010485.

To apply: Visit sharetheseason.net to apply.

For more information, contact Cinthia Estrada at (316) 425-6148.

repairs to get it fully operational for the stability to get her back on track and additional driving her job required. working again.

Bringing comfort Michelle reached out to Share Since 2000, the Wichita and support to the Season for assistance.

Because of community has contributed over $4.5 families in their generous donations made to Share million to Share the Season and helped time of need this the Season, the program was able serve more than 4,200 families. holiday season. to provide the necessary repairs and new tires for her car. Michelle could Donate for chance to win Botanica membership How Share Season Impacting Wichita Families now securely andThe safely get to allisher Donate atexpenses least $50 to The This month's winner is Mickey costs, and vital medical not covered by Share the to Season is a holiday program that helps patients provide their needed care. insurance. These funds have also helped our neighbors working families in Sedgwick County, Kansas who are Active Age, and you could win a Sheaks.

Share the Season also helped to get experiencing financial hardship due to a major life her with rent and utility bills because a parent lost wages due to unforeseen circumstances.to TheBotanica. flexibility of event or difficult circumstance. Since 2000, Share the family membership Donations may be made by utilities caught up.

The extra assistance Share the Season funds are life-changing and help Season has been serving families in the Wichita and meet the needs of our fellow Wichitans.

The Active Age holds a drawing for calling 316-942-5385; through our surrounding community at a time when they need it helped provide Michelle the needed most. The holiday season is about giving, and that spirit a family membership month from website, theactiveage.com; by mail to In the following weeks, you will get toeach read inspiring has always been at the heart of Share the Season. The stories in Active Age from families and individuals who funds raised through marketplace this program are used to fill the Beware fraud in health insurance among people on our Honor Roll list The Active Age, 125 S. West St., Suite have benefited from assistance in the past. In addition gaps left by other assistance programs. Share the to those stories, the following pages also share stories Season is made possible through community of donors.

105, Wichita, KS, 67213; or in person.

TOPEKA – The Health Insurance enrollment. from past recipients. This unique and impactful partnerships between INTRUST Bank, NonprofitGO, The program has touched the lives of not only thousands of Salvation Army, The Active Age. come across Avoid redandflags: If you Marketplace is experiencing an recipients, but the hearts of donors across our a health insurance ad that offershas you increase in the number of potential community. This year, Share the Season launches Over these 24 years, the Wichita community November 1st. contributed over $4.5 million dollars to Share the gifts or other bonuses, this could cases of agent and broker misconduct. cash, Season and helped serve more than 4,200 families. The Please consider sharing with your neighbors this ofAvoid citizens like you fromout Wichita and be generosity a scam. giving personal Consumers should be on alert and season. For your convenience, you may give a tax Sedgwick County continues to amaze us - your care deductible contribution via two convenient options: and compassion for your community during the that may be used without verify changes and enrollments in their information 1. Online donations at ShareTheSeason.net holiday season is truly inspiring.

2. Checks mailed via the enclosed remittance your consent. health insurance. envelope and form on the back of this mailer Those who request assistance through Share the Only Make “Be very cautious when giving Season are trust carefullyofficial screened sources: to receive aid, with Thank you for considering a gift. payments made directly to the vendors. Assistance sure to only use trusted, official sources Sincerely, authorization for changes in your recipients must be working or retired and have an within the selecting past 12 Vickie Kline to unexpected find helpfinancial withchallenge researching, health insurance enrollments,” said months. Examples of the services provided include a NonprofitGO Inc intheinsurance plans.

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki andcarenrolling repair enabling recipient to get to work, funeral In Partnership With Schmidt. “If you suspect unauthorized Review and compare plans carefully.

Agents and brokers not associated activity, report it immediately.” with your enrollment will be required The Kansas Department of to conduct a three-way call with the Insurance and the Health Insurance consumer and the Marketplace Call Marketplace offer some tips for Center or direct you to submit the consumers on how to identify fraud change yourself through “Find local and avoid becoming a victim of unauthorized changes or enrollment in help” on HealthCare.gov. Consumers who think they may be a victim of insurance plans: unauthorized agent or broker activity Confirm permission: Agents and should call the Marketplace Call brokers must gain your permission Center at 1-800-318-2596. For any to sign up or make changes to your questions regarding unauthorized insurance plan. An agent or broker who is not already associated with your agent or broker activity, visit the Department online at insurance. enrollment must take additional steps to update your consumer Marketplace kansas.gov.

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316-652-9913 316.652.5251 for an appt. 316.652.9913 fax Call forCall an appt we are now scheduling appt for Fridays for an appt we are now scheduling appt for Podiatric Services & Wound Care CareFridays Podiatric Services & Wound

Heel Pain, Arch Pain, Corns &Corns Callouses, & Wound Ingrown Nails, Podiatric &Fungal Wound Care Heel Pain, Arch Pain,Services & Callouses, & Ingrown Nails, Ulcers Podiatric Services &Fungal CareUlcers Try our NEW LIGHT ORTHOTICS, wear them home and much Try our NEW LIGHT ORTHOTICS, wear them home andmore. muchHeel more.

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WILLS ~ TRUSTS ~ PROBATE LAW OFFICE OF CATHLEEN A. GULLEDGE, LLC

Estate Planning • Tax Planning • Business Consultation • Mediation Contract Law • Family Limited Partnerships • Powers of Attorney Adoption • Conservatorships/Gurdianships • Medicaid Division of Assets

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310 W. Central, Suite 108 ~ Wichita, KS 67202 Visit our website at www.estateplan4u.com Cathleen A. Gulledge www.theactiveage.com

December 2024

Letters to the Editor Inspiring story

Thank you for the front-page article about Neal Baaker. It was so encouraging to learn of his journey to the United States, trials, hard work and ultimate success as a businessman. I decided to visit his nursery which resulted in a phone call. While his Wichita Greenhouse is closed for the season, I told him I enjoyed reading

the active age the article about him in The Active Age newspaper, and his gratefulness with the statements, “But I am proud to be an American. This is the best country in the world.”

His reply was, “I meant that with all my heart.”

May many of us be inspired by his gratefulness, hard work and positive attitude. His statements “I would like to see people be proud to be an American. Many people feel like the U.S. owes them something, but it doesn’t.

You have to work to be successful,” should be inspirational to all of us.

I plan to visit his business when it opens in the spring!

— Gretchen Fox, Valley Center

One-room memories

We always enjoy reading the variety of articles in The Active Age newspaper. I especially enjoyed your story on one-room schoolhouses. I attended a one-room school, Cooper School in Harper County, in 1942 when I

Page 21 entered first grade. I went there for three years before it was closed for lack of students. The last year it was open we only had 6 students total in all eight grades. We were then transferred to a two-room school.

Our one-room school had electricity, a potbelly stove and two outhouses, but no running water. It was a great experience and I have many fond memories.

— Jeanie Tade, Wichita

Don’t Fix it Alone!

Need an agent who knows what they’re talking about?

MEDICARE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT October 15th - December 7th

Call today for a NO COST personalized consultation. I will help you find the plan that fits your needs!

Brandy Cameron 316.214.2092 Bbraya@HealthMarkets.com www.HealthMarkets.com/Bbraya

www.theactiveage.com

Our professional, insured, and courteous craftsmen will come to you. We arrive on time, clean up after the project and our work is guaranteed.

Call us for a FREE ESTIMATE!

316-773-0303

Page 22

the active age

Win tickets to Carpenters Christmas tribute The Active Age is giving away three pairs of tickets to The Carpenters tribute show at The Orpheum on Saturday, Dec. 14. “Close to You: A Carpenters Christmas” is based on the music of The Carpenters’ holiday albums and Christmas variety show.

To enter our drawing for tickets, visit theactiveage.com and fill out the entry form near the top of the home

page. Or you can mail your entry to The Active Age, 125 S. West St., Suite 105, Wichita, KS, 67213; include your telephone number and address.

The deadline for entries is Dec. 7.

Congratulations to the winners of last month’s drawing for tickets to the Jim Brickman holiday concert at The Orpheum: Connie Wallace, Julie Hall and Dwight Voth.

December 2024

The Active Age office will be closed for the holidays begining on Monday Dec 23 and will reopen on Monday Jan 6.

TRUCK and RV

GET A GRIP ON KANSAS WINTER! Step in our store today and Save up to $300 on select step bars to help you take control of the winter season ahead.

Discounts are good through December 31st. Hurry in today!

333 N WEST ST, 67203

316 . 942 . 2864

Toppersplusks.com

Family Caregiving

Get the Family Caregiving Support You Need, When You Need it.

Your caregiving journey can be challenging in all kinds of ways.

At AARP Family Caregiving, we’re here to help you get answers, connect with other family caregivers and find local resources close to home. So you can take care of what matters most.

To learn more, visit aarp.org/caregiving.

 /AARPKS  @aarpks

www.theactiveage.com

Page 23

the active age

welcome

Home

Watching our parents grow older can be overwhelming. As their needs grow, you’ll need help. At Cedarhurst, we’ll give them the support they need without sacrificing their independence. Because home is more than an address; it’s peace of mind.

Schedule

AN APPOINTMENT TODAY 11820 W 29th St N, Wichita, KS 67205 CedarhurstWichita.com (316) 232-7702

www.theactiveage.com

December 2024

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the active age

December 2024

ZOO MEMBERSHIPS MAKE PERFECT GIFTS! SCAN HERE FOR YOUR WILD ZOO GIFT GUIDE OR VISIT SCZ.ORG/GIFTS

BLACK BEAR SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE INCLUDES • Pewter keepsake ornament • Animal info sheet • Recognition in the Zoo for one full year

• Zoo Pal certificate • 4x6 photo

YOUR SPONSORSHIP SUPPORTS THE CARE OF ANIMALS AND HABITATS www.theactiveage.com