February 2021

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Vol 42 • No. 3

Volunteers mark 60th anniversary of Peace Corps

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By Debbi Elmore When Lakshmi Kambampati arrived in Liberia, the schools had been closed for 14 years due to Ebola and a civil war. It was just the kind of challenge the retired Wichita teacher was looking for when she signed up for the Peace Corps.

“I wanted to help and I was looking for adventure,” she said.

“I trained the first batch of math teachers, and it was awesome.

Everyone loved it.”

Kambampati is one of more than 240,000 Americans who have served abroad with the Peace Corps since President John F. Kennedy established the agency to promote international peace and friendship 60 years ago

Inside:

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Peace work

Courtesy photo.

Lakshmi Kambampati taught in LIberia as a Peace Corps volunteer. next month. Although originally intended for recent college graduates, the Peace Corps places no age limit on volunteers. Today, about 7 percent of volunteers are 50 and older.

Kambampati immigrated to the

United States from India with her husband, Mohan, and their two sons.

She taught mathematics in Wichita high schools for 19 years, then served as an adjunct professor at Butler

A tasty cure for the common cold?

Community College and Friends University. She was in her 60s when she joined the Peace Corps, serving in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an island nation in the eastern Caribbean, in addition to Liberia.

In St. Vincent, she developed a math curriculum for the schools — and learned something herself as well.

“I learned to be patient,” she said. “For example, at St. Vincent the internet connection was very erratic. It was not as fast as I am used to in the USA and also often it does not get connected.”

The relationship between Peace Corps workers and the communities they serve is one of two-way respect, she said.

“The Peace Corps staff at Kingstown and the curriculum team at the ministry of education of St. Vincent were so professional and helpful.”

See Peace Corps, page 16

COVID-19 vaccine reaches nursing homes Reactions range from ‘ecstatic’ to ‘a little hesitant’

By Mary Clarkin The Active Age New Year’s Eve brought a different kind of celebration at the Kansas Christian Home in Newton: Staff and residents received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We were ecstatic, absolutely thrilled that we were finally getting a step toward protecting our residents, family, friends, ourselves,” said Donna Hett, assistant director of nursing at the retirement community, where 110 residents and staff were vaccinated by a visiting team from Walgreens. “I mean we were almost dancing, we were so happy.”

Residents and staff of long-term care homes were the second group of Kansans designated to receive the vaccine, after health care workers. It’s unknown how many homes have so far received the vaccine, but all were expected to get it by the end of January or shortly after. The vaccine requires two doses, with the second dose being administered within 28 days of the first.

Courtesy photo

Virginia Garver, 101, receives a COVID-19 vacSee Vaccine, page 6 cine at Larksfield Place on Jan. 8.

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Butler County: (316) 775-0500 or 1-800- 279-3655 Harvey County: (316) 284-6880 or 1-800-279-3655

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February 2021

From rags to rentals: couple builds life in America

By Joe Stumpe When Esther Lazos thinks back to her arrival in Wichita 42 years ago, she lets out a soft laugh. Both she and her husband came here from Mexico illegally, with no ability to speak English. Their possessions consisted of “a 6-year-old and empty hands.”

They had one thing going for them, though.

“Me and my husband, we are a great team,” Esther said.

Today, she and Luis own 18 rental homes, enjoy legal status and are proud of having started the first Spanish language Baptist church in Wichita.

Back in 1979, with the United States facing an oil crisis, inflation and depression, they were just happy to get work in their new home. Luis found a job with the Garvey Grain elevator on 29th Street, and Esther got a job cleaning rooms at the Wichita Royal, which she remembers as “a beautiful hotel” at Douglas and Main, making $2.80 an hour.

On her bus rides to work, Esther noticed a Spanish-speaking woman wearing a snazzy blue uniform. The woman told Esther she worked at St. Francis Hospital and made $3.50 per hour.

“I thought ‘Oh my god,’” Esther said. “I put in my mind I wanted that job.”

Esther, who still didn’t speak any English, had her nephew coach her on how to say “I’m looking for a job.” For a week straight, she showed up at the front desk of the hospital and repeated the phrase, unable to understand what was being said to her in return. Finally, a Spanish-speaking employee came out and said, “Today I have a job for you.”

Esther worked in housekeeping at the hospital from 1980 to 2008.

After giving birth to her second son, she learned English to be able to take part in parent-teacher conferences.

At work, when she saw fellow Spanish-speaking employees struggle, she helped any way she could. Her boss noticed.

“The director one day says, ‘What are you doing cleaning when you can do something else?'"

She got promoted to supervisor in 1995 and was made general manager two years later. She obtained her U.S. citizenship after President Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which made nearly 3 million immigrants eligible for amnesty.

In 1990, Esther and Luis bought a home at 2601 N. Fairview, paying $8,000 cash — a memory that brings another laugh.

After remodeling it, Esther suggested they sell that house and get a loan to buy another one. Luis doubted whether a bank would lend them money.

“I said, ‘If you don’t try, you don’t know if you can do it or not.’”

They got a loan and bought a house on the west side for $16,000 in 1993, fixed it up and sold it for $65,000. By the time they bought their Photo by Joe Stumpe third house, Esther had Esther Lazos and her husband, Luis, now rent another idea. out 18 homes that they have remodeled.

“I told my husband, Asked how she found them, ‘Let’s start renting it.’”

Esther said, “You know, I think they’re They did, and Esther started looking for me.’” looking for more houses to buy, fix up and rent. The uglier the house was, the See next page better she liked them.

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February 2021

Rentals

From previous page

More seriously, she said, “First, I look for good footing and structure.

If a house has a good foundation and framing, the rest doesn’t matter. We can fix it.”

In some cases, the homes were vacant and awaiting demolition by the city. Esther and Luis did most of the work themselves, fixing or replacing drywall, windows, floors and cabinets, while leaving electrical and plumbing work to professionals.

Although landlord-tenant conflicts are not uncommon, Esther said the couple has been “blessed” in that regard. “Our tenants are very good. They take care of them.”

Real estate developer John Todd met Esther and Luis as they were remodeling the Armstrong property and came away impressed, saying, “They have created tremendous economic and neighborhood uplift over the years.”

From St. Francis, Esther went to work at Wesley for five years and then spent one year at Galicia Heart

the active age Hospital before retiring at age 60. Luis retired from the maintenance department at St. Francis.

Originally, the couple planned to return to Mexico, but now their roots are here. They have five grandchildren spread between Wichita, Texas and Iowa. In 1990, unable to find Baptist services in Spanish locally, they started a church, Iglesia Bautista Getsemani.

When the congregation outgrew their garage, Esther went to the local office of the Southern Baptist Association seeking help. They were allowed to use a Baptist church then located at Topeka and St. Francis. The church broke up in 2018 over a pastoral dispute, but Esther said several options exist for Spanish-speaking Baptists today.

The couple’s 18th house — on north Armstrong — will be their last.

They plan to sell or turn their properties over to their sons.

That’ll give Esther more time to read novels and doing puzzles, both of which you can be sure she never leaves unfinished.

“I’m not the kind of person to give up.”

Page 3

Courtesy photo.

Luis and Esther Lazos posed for this photograph when their sons Luis, Jr. and Daniel were younger.

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February 2021

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.

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February 2021

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Page 5

A season for pruning and blooming

By Tim Marler With spring 2021 approaching, I wonder whether 2020 was a season of pruning. My friend Joel Weihe put this thought Tim Marlar in my head. He is an accomplished gardener who I met through Toastmasters, an organization that promotes public speaking. In one speech, he shared how pruning helps make rose bushes grow better.

In 2020, many things were pruned

Briefs Voters League starts pen pal program, blood drive

Usually focused on elections, the League of Women Voters Wicita Metro chapter is launching a different kind of campaign — a pen pal program to relieve isolation related to the pandemic.

The idea is to reach home-bound individuals with little or no access to companionship due to COVID-19 precautions. The league hopes to find at least 100 residents who’d enjoy receiving monthly notes, which will be written by league members.

If you or someone you know would like a pen pal, call 316-573-5583.

There is no charge. Note cards and postage will be provided for a year along with information on resources through a grant from the Kansas Leadership Center.

The league is also urging residents to donate blood, since those donations have decreased dramatically over the last year. A person who’s fully recovered from a verified COVID-19 diagnosis can help up to four coronavirus patients with a donation of convalescent plasma.

For more information, contact the Red Cross at 800-733-2767.

Dear Reader from our hectic lifestyles, whether it was limiting our in-person contact with friends or not being able to attend the inaugural season of Wind Surge baseball because it was cancelled. Let’s face it: There were so many things we took for granted, and so many ways we had to change our methods to accomplish anything, this article could take up a full page.

By not being able to participate in

certain activities, were you hurt or just inconvenienced? Did it give you time to read something new or take on a new socially distanced activity?

Some people might view the pandemic’s restrictions as a tremendous disadvantage. On the other hand, many took it as a challenge to become better. As Joel taught us, after pruning comes blooming.

I had many friends who developed healthier habits. For instance, my friend Dorothy increased her morning walking routine. Personally, I realized I have time to follow a daily plan to read

Tax services offered

Tax services will be offered at the Downtown Senior Center this year, although it will look different than previously. Right now, the plan is operate a “drop-off ” service. To request a tax appointment, dial 2-1-1, a community services line operated by the United Way. The Park City Senior Center also plans to offer tax services, with details still to be worked out.

CPAAA wants your input Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) is seeking residents’ help to plan for future services in Butler, Harvey, and Sedgwick counties.

Adults 55 and older as well as caregivers to older adults, along with professionals, are asked to provide input on support services not currently available or that might be needed in the future.

This planning effort is done every five years. To take the survey, visit www.cpaaa.org by Feb. 28th, 2021. To complete the survey with a CPAAA representative over the phone, please call 1-855-200-2372.

Correction

An incorrect telephone number was given for the Haysville Hustle, the city of Haysville’s new on-demand, curbto-curb bus service, in our January issue. The correct number is (316) 529-5903.

through the Bible in one year.

What are your new blossoms as a result of the pruning? Was it something you developed, learned or completed?

We trust that you have enjoyed the fact that The Active Age continued to be published and improved through our pruning season. We strive to make each edition hold a new blossom or sprout that helps you, our valued reader, grow in 2021.

Newton resident Tim Marler is vice president of The Active Age’s volunteer board of directors. He can be reached at timothy.marler@gmail.com.

Letter to the Editor A capital idea

I am heartsick that the Monarch butterfly is on the verge of extinction. They thrive only on milkweed, which today is nearly nonexistent in Kansas’ agricultural fields. With “weed” in its name, I’d assumed it was an ugly, noxious plant. A Google search proved me wrong: “Milkweed are beautiful flowers and delightful garden plants. Fragrant clusters of flowers are a magnet for butterflies and pollinators.”

While I’m no gardener, I plan to plant milkweed this spring. And there’s this idea: why couldn’t gardeners all over the city plant milkweed and turn Wichita into the Monarch Butterfly Capital? Just imagine the beauty, the excitement when the October sky is filled with hundreds, perhaps thousands of beautiful Monarchs.

If you’re interested in learning about milkweed, Google offers several helpful sites.

Lynn Stephan, Wichita

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Page 6

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Vaccine

Phase 11 of vaccination plan coming

From Page 1

Not everyone rushed to receive it.

The state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Barbara Hickert, said anecdotal information about the acceptance of the vaccine in facilities indicates “pretty high acceptance rates” for residents, but less so for staff.

She received a complaint in January from a family member of a resident who heard a staff member discourage the resident from getting the vaccine based on the staff member’s personal beliefs about the vaccine.

“Clearly not acceptable,” Hickert said. She did not identify the facility.

Since the homes have been closed to most visitors since spring, it’s believed that the virus has been spread by employees in some cases.

“For staff that might be a little hesitant, it’s all about leadership within the facility,” said Linda MowBray, president and chief executive officer of the Kansas Health Care Association/ Kansas Center for Assisted Living, based in Topeka. “You know when that director of nursing rolls up his or her sleeve, when the administrator rolls up his or her sleeve, it makes a difference,” she said.

There are pockets of opposition around the state, MowBray said, and “understandably, the acceptance rate by staff is a little bit lower” than the acceptance level of residents.

Hett, at the Kansas Christian Home in Newton, said she would be vaccinated.

Beginning in fall 2020, long-term care facilities across the country were invited to enroll in the government’s Pharmacy Partnership for LongTerm Care Program, overseen by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC engaged two retail pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens, to provide on-site vaccinations at no cost to the long-term care facilities.

On Jan. 8, a Walgreens team administered shots at Larksfield Place in Wichita. The day before, resident

February 2021

Courtesy photo

Virginia Garver, who turned 101 in December, said she was "not reluctant at all" to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Virginia Garver said she looked forward to receiving the vaccine.

“I’m not reluctant at all, and I don’t think the government would release the vaccine if it weren’t safe,” Garver said.

Garver, who’s 101, contracted polio as a toddler. She wore leg braces as a young child but suffered no long-term effects. She and her now-late husband, James Garver, reared their six children in Severy, Kan. After the children were older, she renewed her nursing license and worked as a registered nurse at Greenwood County Hospital.

Long-term care facilities constitute the deadliest category of COVID-19 clusters, partly because the virus can spread quickly in congregate living settings and older people, especially those with other health factors, are particularly vulnerable.

Through Jan. 13, 1,408 of the state’s overall 3,355 virus deaths came from the 590 long-term care facility clusters across the state.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ data showed that for the week ending Dec. 27, nearly 200 Medicare/Medicaid nursing homes in Kansas had reported at least one resident death from COVID-19

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The second phase of COVID-19 vaccininations should start around Feb. 1 or as vaccines become available, according to Dr. Garold Minns, Sedgwick County Health Officer. Butler and Harvey counties were expected to follow a similar schedule.

Originally, Phase II was expected to make the vaccines available to people 65 and older, followed by individuals with medically verified high-risk factors would follow. However, a shortage of vaccine supply could mean that the vaccine will go first to people over 90, who are considered the most vulnerble. People 65 and older would be next in line.

In Sedgwick County, plans call for the vaccine to be available by appointment. The county health department was finalizing the sign-

up process as of mid January. For more information on the vaccination process in your county, visit sedgwickcounty.org, bucoks.com or harveycounty.org. The Active Age will also carry updates on our website, theactiveage.com.

The first phase of COVID-19 vaccinations were provided to health care personnel, then long-term care homes and their staffs. Second doses should occur 28 days after the first dose. Most medical providers who received their first dose were to begin receiving their second dose the week of Jan. 25.

Through mid-January, an estimated 18,000 vaccinations had been provided by the Sedgwick County Health Department and local hospitals, which did not count vaccines going to long-term care homes.

during the year. Over 30 of them experienced 10 or more resident deaths due to the pandemic.

The CMS data revealed the two deadliest clusters in Kansas were Garden Terrace at Overland Park, with 39 resident deaths, and Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation, Kansas City, with 37 residents dying.

The same database showed the highest death toll linked to the virus in Sedgwick County as of Dec. 27 was at the Catholic Care Center, Bel Aire, with 19 resident deaths. In Harvey County, Newton Presbyterian Manor had the highest, with 13 resident deaths. In Butler County, Lakepoint Augusta reported seven resident deaths from the virus in 2020.

All Kansans 65 and over are expected to qualify for the vaccine as early as February, as part of Phase 2 of the state’s vaccination plan. Prison inmates and essential workers who cannot maintain social distancing are also included in Phase 2.

Sedgwick County’s public information officer Kate Flavin said in early January that 78 percent of the COVID-19 deaths in the county have been people over age 70, and of the deaths associated with a cluster category, 99 percent were linked to long-term care residents. Those percentages budged little even as the overall death toll in Sedgwick County rose from 309 as of Jan. 8 to 329 as of Jan. 13.

Butler County’s death toll stood at 42 as of Jan. 13. County Health Department Administrator Jamie Downs said earlier in January that 80 percent of the COVID-19 deaths there were people over 80, and 46 percent of Butler County’s fatalities were at longterm care facilities.

Harvey County Health Department did not supply similar data, but its dashboard showed over 20 of its 30 virus deaths were people age 70 or over.

Some long-term care facilities do not fall under the CMS Medicare/ Medicaid umbrella, and while deaths at non-CMS facilities are part of the county and state overall data, specific details about the impact of the pandemic at those sites are not available to the public in this area.

At the Kansas Christian Home, Hett described the protocol for the vaccination. The pharmacy team was return to give the second dose in the latter half of January and also give a first dose to new residents or new hires or those who couldn’t take it or chose not to take it earlier. On the third and last visit, second doses will be given to those who need it, and some people also could get a first dose. They will have to get a second dose later from a provider.

Government does not mandate residents and staff take the vaccine.

“Forcing a person to receive the vaccine against their will would be battery, a crime, or the basis for a civil claim against the person giving the shot. It is possible but doubtful, I hope, that facilities might try to require it as a condition of continued employment,” said Margaret Farley, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care.

“Nursing facility staff have the rights common to all citizens: to consent or not,” she said.

This story was produced as part of the Wichita Journalism Collaborative, a partnership of The Active Age and six other media organizations working together to bring timely and accurate news and information to Kansans.

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February 2021

By Mary Clarkin Life became a series of painful choices for the McCary family starting in early November, when Bill McCary, Sr. tested positive for COVID-19 at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis.

He was sent home but fell. He was back at St. Francis on Nov. 3.

His wife, Norma McCary, tested positive for the virus soon after. She required an ambulance trip to the emergency room. A nurse told one of the McCary children that their mother’s lungs were full of pneumonia.

Bill and Norma McCary were put in the same room, in a pediatric ward that had been converted for COVID-19 patients.

Prior to November, Norma McCary, 80, had been in better health than her husband, although her memory was starting to fail. Now family members were told that she could be intubated, but the condition of her lungs meant she might not be able to come off the breathing machinery.

“We made the decision not to prolong it and allow nature to take its course,” her son, Bill McCary, Jr., said.

“It was a very hard decision to make.”

She died Nov. 17.

“When you lose someone with whom you have spent your entire life, it leaves holes in your heart,” her husband wrote on his Facebook page.

Norma McCary was born in Wichita. Her husband graduated from high school here and took Biblical studies at Friends University.

He pastored a church in Texas before the couple moved back to Sedgwick County in 2015. They had six children — five of whom survive

the active age

Page 7

Courtesy photo.

Bill and Norma McCary held hands in their hospital room before Mrs. McCary's death.

Above, the McCarys posed for a family portrait.

Hard decisions

A husband and wife test positive for COVID-19.

Only one recovers. What comes next?

— 14 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren.

Bill McCary, Sr. was able to leave the hospital on the day his wife died for a stay in a rehabilitation facility.

He was released in early December but more setbacks — including a urinary tract infection, pneumonia and shingles — landed him back in the hospital before Christmas. That was followed by another rehabilitation stint and a regimen designed to improve his mobility.

McCary’s children are scattered in Halstead, Hillsboro, Park City, Oklahoma and Colorado. Ultimately,

the decision of where Bill McCary, Sr. would go after rehabilitation rested with him, but his children were involved, too.

“I’m really afraid for him to go home,” Bill McCary Jr. said of his father’s return to an apartment in Haysville.

But COVID-related restrictions on visitation at nursing homes made a long-term care facility an unappealing option. “If it’s going to be that way, I don’t want to be there” was his father’s reaction to life in a locked-down setting.

As his time in the second

rehabilitation center neared an end in mid-January, the McCarys arrived at a plan with the help of social workers.

The elder McCary will return to his Haysville apartment.

Part of the challenge of living on his own will be performing tasks — such as preparing meals and doing laundry — that had been done by Norma. “For 61 years, he’s had my mother,” Bill McCary Jr. said.

A therapist will make weekday visits and the family will choose a home health service agency to provide assistance. The elder McCary made progress walking with a walker in rehab and will get help managing diabetes, his son said.

“That’s what the plan is now,” Bill McCary, Jr. said.

He said his father is at peace with whatever the future brings.

“He knows where he’s going and he’s ready to go, but I’m not so sure that he’s that ready to go if you understand what I’m saying. I think he’d like to be here for a little while longer, as us kids would like to have him around longer.”

Woman sentenced for stealing from 88-year-old man she befriended A Wichita woman who pleaded guilty to stealing from an 88-yearold man was sentenced Thursday for one count of felony theft in Sedgwick County District Court. According to investigators, Laurie Nowlin, 60 of Wichita, committed the crime after befriending the victim and becoming one of his primary caretakers.

Nowlin, who had no prior felonies on her record, was placed on 24 months probation, the presumption

under Kansas law. As a condition of her plea, she was ordered to pay $60,900 in restitution to the victim’s family. Judge Eric Williams told Nowlin she would serve 13 months in prison if she violated her probation.

The charge alleges that Nowlin received multiple checks and cash withdrawals from the victim during a time that the victim likely lacked capacity due to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

The victim also designated Nowlin as

Elizabeth (Betsy) Lea Henry

power of attorney and beneficiary on nearly all of his assets, removing his adult children from those designations.

Family members who spoke at the sentencing said Nowlin’s actions took a toll on their family and damaged their relationship with the victim. Nowlin stated during the sentencing hearing that she should not have accepted the pay from the victim but she loved him and he wanted her to have it. The victim has since passed away.

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Judge Williams also ordered Nowlin to not serve as a fiduciary for anyone else during the course of her probation.

To avoid similar situations, District Attorney Marc Bennett said, "We recommend that people take the time to decide who will assist them with their (financial) affairs before it becomes an issue." The state of Kansas' elder abuse hotline is 1-800-922-5330.

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the active age

February 2021

Make heart health part of your self-care routine Family Features Devoting a little time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting the health of your heart. Simple self-care, such as taking a moment to de-stress, giving yourself time to move more, preparing healthier meals and not cheating on sleep, can all benefit your heart.

Because heart disease is largely preventable, focusing on improving your heart health is important. Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women and men in the United States, and many Americans remain at risk, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). People with poor cardiovascular health are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

“Studies show self-care routines, such as taking a daily walk and keeping doctor’s appointments, help us keep our blood pressure in the healthy range and reduce our risk of heart disease and stroke,” said David Goff, M.D., NHLBI’s director of cardiovascular sciences.

It may be easier than you think to “put your heart” into your daily routine.

Each Sunday, look at your week’s schedule and carve out 30 minutes for heart-healthy practices. Take an online yoga class, prepare a heart-healthy

recipe, schedule your bedtime to get at least seven hours of sleep or make a medication checklist. Then seek out support from others to help you stick to your goals.

Consider these self-care tips to try each day to make your heart a priority: Self-Care Sunday Find a moment of serenity every Sunday. Spend some quality time on yourself.

Mindful Monday Be mindful about your health and regularly monitor your blood pressure or blood sugar if needed. Keep an eye on your weight to make sure it stays within or moves toward a healthy range.

Tasty Tuesday Choose how you want to approach eating healthier. Start small by pepping your meals with a fresh herb or spice as a salt substitute. Get adventurous and prepare a simple, new, hearthealthy recipe. Or go big by trying a different way of eating, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure. DASH is flexible and balanced, and it includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, lean meats, beans, nuts, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.

Wellness Wednesday Don’t waffle on your wellness.

Move more, eat a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried, make a plan to quit smoking or vaping or learn the signs of a heart attack or stroke. You could be having a heart attack if you have chest and upper body pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness. You might be having a stroke if you experience numbness in the face, arm or leg; confusion; trouble talking or seeing; dizziness; or a severe headache.

Treat Yourself Thursday Treats can be healthy. Try making a dessert with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Then stretch your imagination beyond food. Host a family dance party, take a few minutes to sit and meditate, go for a long walk or watch a funny show.

Whatever you do, find a way to spend some quality time on yourself.

Follow Friday Follow inspiring people and pages on social media, or text a friend to help you stick to your self-care goals. Remember to take care of your mental health, too. Two of the main hurdles to self-care are depression and a lack of confidence, according to a study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association.” If your mental health is taking a toll, take

action to show your heart some love.

Reach out to family and friends for support, or talk to a qualified mental health provider.

Selfie Saturday Inspire others to take care of their hearts. Talk about your self-care routine with loved ones or share a selfie on social media. Having social support and personal networks can make it easier to get regular physical activity, eat nutritious foods, reach a healthy weight and quit smoking.

Learn more about heart health and heart-healthy activities in your community, and see what others are doing for their heart health, at nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts or follow #OurHearts on social media.

What do you know about love? (In the movies, that is)

By Nancy Wheeler Valentine’s Day cards often repeat the same refrains from year to year. Movies, however, offer a variety of twists on traditional romantic expressions. Can you name the movie in which one of the characters expresses these thoughts of love?

1. “You had me at hello.”

2. “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.”

3. “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

4. “I wanted it to be you. I wanted it to be you so badly.”

5. “Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time.”

6. “You want the moon? Just say the word, and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.”

7. “You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.”

8. “Winning that ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me. . . . It brought me to you.”

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9. “You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.”

10. “Listen to me, mister. You’re my knight in shining armor. Don’t you forget it.”

See answers on page 18.

February 2021

the active age

Page 9

Savvy Senior delivers pointers on bathroom safety, acupuncture Dear Savvy Senior, pain including low back What tips can you recommend for pain, neck pain, osteoarmaking a bathroom senior-friendly? My thritis, migraine headaches, 78-year-old mother has mobility problems fibromyalgia, postoperative and fell getting out of the bathtub last pain, tennis elbow, carpel month. I’d like to modify her bathroom tunnel syndrome, dental $10,000 installed. with some safety features that can help pain and more. Studies Toilet: If your mom has trouble keep her safe. have also shown that it can getting on or off the toilet, a simple Concerned Daughter be helpful in treating asthma, depressolution is to purchase a raised toilet Dear Concerned, sion, digestive disorders, menopause seat that clamps to the toilet bowl and/ Great question! Because more or purchase toilet safety rails that sit on symptoms like hot flashes and nausea accidents and injuries happen in the caused by chemotherapy or anesthesia. each side of the seat for support. Or, bathroom than any other room in the Exactly how or why acupuncture you can install a new ADA compliant house, this is a very important room works isn’t fully understood. Howev“comfort height” toilet that is 16-to-19 to modify, especially for seniors with er, today most Western practitioners inches high. mobility or balance problems. believe that acupuncture works because Faucets: Consider replacing twist Depending on your mom’s needs it stimulates the nerves causing the handles on the sink with lever handle and budget, here are some simple tips release of endorphins, which are the faucets or with a touch, motion or and product recommendations that can digital smart faucet. Also note that it body’s natural painkiller hormones. It’s make her bathroom safer and easier to also shown to increase blood circuonly takes 130-degree water to scald use. lation, decrease inflammation and someone, so turn her hot water heater Floor: To avoid slipping, a simple stimulate the immune system. down to 120 degrees. fix is to get non-skid bath rugs for the What to Expect Doorway: If your mom needs floors. Or if you want to put in a new During acupuncture, practitioners a wider bathroom entrance to floor, get slip-resistant tiles, rubber or stimulate specific points on the body accommodate a walker or wheelchair, vinyl flooring, or install wall-to-wall by inserting thin needles through the an inexpensive solution is to install carpeting. skin. The needles are solid, sterile and some swing clear offset hinges on the Lights: Install the highest wattage door, which will expand the doorway disposable (used only once), and as bulbs allowed for your mom’s baththin as a cat’s whisker. an additional two inches. room fixtures and get a plug-in nightThe number of needles used for Emergency assistance: As a safety light that automatically turns on when precaution, you should also consider each treatment can vary anywhere the room gets dark. from a few up to a dozen or more. And purchasing a voice-enabled medical Bathtub/shower: Purchase a where the needles are actually stuck alert system like Get Safe (GetSafe. rubber suction-grip mat, or put down depends on the condition being treatcom) for her bathroom. adhesive nonskid tape on the tub/ ed, but they are typically inserted about You can find all of these suggestshower floor. Have a carpenter install one-quarter to 1-inch deep and are left ed products at either medical supply grab bars in and around the tub/show- stores, pharmacies, big-box stores, in place for about 20 minutes. After er for support. placement, the needles are sometimes home improvement stores, hardware If your mom uses a shower curtwirled or manipulated or stimulated and plumbing supply stores, as well as tain, install a screw or bolt-mounted with electricity or heat. online. curtain rod, versus a tension-mounted You may feel a brief, sharp sensa Dear Savvy Senior, rod, so that if she loses her balance and Is acupuncture a viable treatment for tion when the needle is inserted, but grabs the shower curtain, the rod won’t pain, and is it covered by Medicare? Since generally it’s not painful. Once the spring loose. needle is in place, however, you may the pandemic hit, I have a lot of lower Consider getting your mom a feel a tingling sensation, numbness, back and neck pain and am wondering if shower or bathtub chair so she can mild pressure or warmth. it’s worth trying. What can you tell me? bathe from a seated position. In addiHow many treatments you’ll need Looking for Solutions tion, you should also have a handheld, will depend on the severity of your Dear Looking, adjustable-height showerhead installed condition – 12 treatments done weekly Many studies over the years — that makes chair bathing easier. or biweekly is very common. It’s also funded by the National Institutes of If your mom has the budget for important to know that acupuncture Health — have found acupuncture to it, another good option is to install a be very effective in easing pain and can can be used in conjunction with other curbless shower or a walk-in-bathtub. conventional medical treatments or by help with a variety of other ailments Some walk-in tubs have therapeutic itself. too features like whirlpool water jets and/ Cost and Coverage Acupuncture Treatment or bubble massage air jets.

The cost per treatment typicalWhile acupuncture isn’t a cure-all Curbless showers and walk-in-tubs treatment, it is a safe, drug-free option ly runs anywhere from $40 to $150. run anywhere between $2,500 and Today, an increasing number of private for relieving many different types of

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insurance plans, including some Medicare Advantage plans and policies provided by employers offer some type of acupuncture coverage.

Last January (2020), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that original Medicare will now cover up to 12 acupuncture sessions in 90 days for patients with chronic lower back pain. Eight additional sessions can be added if patients show improvement.

But in order to receive Medicare coverage, you must use a licensed acupuncturist who is supervised by a medical doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner trained in acupuncture, who will need to process the acupuncture claim. Currently, licensed acupuncturists can’t directly bill Medicare.

To find an acupuncturist in your area, ask your doctor for a referral, or you can do a search online. Two good resources are the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (nccaom.org) and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncturists (medicalacupuncture. org).

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

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the active age

February 2021

Time for space program to start monkeying around again

By Ted Blankenship I’m sure you have noticed that we’re back in the space business in a big way. After years of paying the Russians big bucks to haul our astronauts back and forth to the International Space Station, we now have our own taxi service.

Not only that, we’re sending more women to the station, and there is now a new branch of the the armed services for astronauts. I don’t know what we’ll call them — maybe Spaceguys and Spacegals. Maybe not.

But amidst all of this activity, I’m wondering, WHERE ARE THE MONKEYS? These pioneers of the space program are being left out! This should not happen. If Elon Musk can launch his personal Tesla roadster into space,

why are qualified monkeys and apes denied?

Don’t laugh. Long before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were walking around on the moon, the hero of the U.S. space program was a chimpanzee named Ham. On Jan. 31, 1961—a few months before Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s pioneering flight—Ham became the first hominid in space. He survived his mission and went on to live a long life.

In 1948 the Air Force strapped a rhesus monkey named Albert into a capsule on top of a souped-up Nazidesigned V-2 rocket and launched it from New Mexico. Unfortunately, Albert died before he made it into

space. Other monkeys followed with more success.

They were taught to twist dials and flip switches in the capsule to prove that it was possible to function in space.

You know, of course, that monkeys and apes are different. Apes and gorillas are both apes, but monkeys, though related, aren’t the same. They have tails and apes don’t.

That may be why monkeys are currently grounded. Their tails are designed to help them swing through trees. Imagine how this would work out at the Space Station. Say a monkey latches onto a protuberance inside the station and uses his tail to swing into the next room. The lack of gravity might cause the swinging monkey to propel him or herself right through

the wall of the space station, creating a serious problem.

Or as the late John Glenn said when asked what would have happened if his Mercury capsule heat shield had burned up on re-entry: “It would have been a bad day all around.”

But if monkeys could be trained to use their tails discreetly, they could make interesting space station companions. They would not tell boring stories over and over. They would take up less space so we could send lots more of them per rocket, thus saving taxpayers large amounts of money.

And, presumably not many monkeys would run for office when they return to earth.

Contact Ted Blankenship at tblankenship@cox.net.

Fort Scott, Hutchinson and Wichita had contributing roles in the Wyatt Earp legend.

Clavin writes in an earthy, informal style, which is fitting for the subject matter. He acknowledges that the story of the gunfight at the OK Corral has been told many times before but says he wanted to tell “my version of the Tombstone story, to have it refracted through my lens, and along the way provide new and previously overlooked characters and details.” I believe he succeeded.

“Tombstone” is comprehensive in scope. Clavin tells of the exploration of Arizona and the Southwest by the Spanish and provides information about the life of Native Americans in the area, including Geronimo and Cochise. Bat Masterson, Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, Kit Carson, Johnny Ringo and Billy the Kid are all accounted for in “Tombstone.”

Clavin writes of the early days of the Earp family, including Wyatt’s birth in Illinois and his first experience serving as a lawman in Lamar, Missouri. He follows Earp to Dodge City and Wichita, where at age 26 Wyatt worked as a brothel bouncer and gambler. Clavin tells the story of how Wyatt met Doc Holliday; the numerous ladies in Wyatt’s life; how and why

he found himself in Tombstone with his brothers Morgan and Virgil; and the circumstances leading up to the shootout and the significant consequences thereof —the Earps, Tombstone and the Old West.

If you have an interest in Kansas history, enjoy tales of the Old West or — like me — were entranced by the 1993 movie Tombstone, I believe you will find Clavin’s new book an entertaining and fun read.

Contact Ted Ayres at ted.ayres@ shockers.wichita.edu.

'Tombstone' hits mark retelling OK Corral story

“Tombstone” by Tom Clavin (St. Martin’s Press, 386 Pages, $29.99)

By Ted Ayres On Oct. 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Ariz., 30 bullets were exchanged in 30 seconds, leaving three men dead and three others wounded. And with that exchange of gunfire, the Earp brothers, John Henry “Doc” Holliday, Billy and Joe Clanton and the OK Corral were forever etched into the annals of the

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history, folklore and mythology of the American Old West.

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February 2021

the active age

Santa Fe trail spotting

Some Kansas women are hitting the Santa Fe Trail to celebrate the 200th anniversary of that famed route.

It’s actually not the first time that they’ve done so. Back in 1906, the Kansas Daughters of the American Revolution raised money and placed 89 granite markers along the trail throughout the state. As a result, Kansas has more trail markers than any other state.

Now members of the Little Arkansas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution plan to visit, photograph and document the location of all the markers. So far, they’ve made it to about one-third of them.

25 years ago Two couples from Peck who’d married in a double ceremony 50 years earlier — Everett and Rose Heitman and Carroll and Lourine Kerley — celebrated their Golden anniversaries together … State officials expressed hope that transferring some services from the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to the Department on Aging would improve them

In addition to Karen Lundblade and Linda McFarland (seen at left visiting the marker at Mule Head Hill in Ford County), DAR members Pam Brilhart, Patty Robidou, Ramon Alvarez and Vickie Strelow are taking part. The documentation will be sent to national DAR headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Santa Fe Trail was an 800mile trade route started in 1821 by William Becknell which ran from Independence, Mo., to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Three of the local DAR members also belong to the Santa Fe Trail Association, “which makes it extra special for us,” Strelow said.

Celebrate!

From our archives 40 years ago The Sedgwick County Zoo used a grant from the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging to buy new adult strollers and schedule tours, film festivals and classes for area seniors … Kansans 60 years and older were invited to apply to be “Congressional senior interns” in the Washington, D.C. offices of Sens. Nancy Kassebaum and Bob Dole.

Page 11

… Performers from Music Theatre of Wichita presented a review at the Downtown Senior Center.

10 years ago National Honors Society members from Andover High painted murals in the Andover Senior Center … Senior advocates expressed alarm at budget cuts proposed by Gov. Sam Brownback.

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Celebrations is a FREE announcement of 80years or more and anniversaies of 50 years or more. Send your Celebration information to the active age 125 S West St., Ste 105, Wichita,KS 67213 or by email to joe@theactiveage. com. Deadline is the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Page 12

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February 2021

February 2021

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Page 13

Senior centers, dances adjust schedule due to pandemic

By Linda Matney The pandemic continues to affect area senior centers, although some are offering meals and/or activities. The Active Age contacted many by telephone in mid-January and compiled these notes from those conversations. Circumstances are likely to change, so it’s recommended to call the centers before going. Their phone numbers are listed on page 21.

SEDGWICK COUNTY Bel Aire: Limited activities. Participation is down. They are using social distancing and masks are required. The library and computers are only open when classes are scheduled.

Bently/Eagle: Closed Cheney: Meals are available for pickup and home delivery.

Clearwater: No information available.

Derby: Meals and some activities offered. Call or see website, derbyks. com.

Edgemoor: No senior-specific activities at this time.

Garden Plain: No activities at this time Haysville: Friendship meals to go.

The game room is open. Chair yoga and exercise are offered twice weekly, bingo

two times a month. Social distancing and masks are required. Participation is low.

Kechi: Closed La Familia: Closed McAdams: No activities until further notice Mt Hope: No information available.

Mulvane: Participation is down.

Meals are grab-and-go and are also being delivered to homebound residents. Commodities are distributed by drive-thru. Food is Grab & Go. Foot care is being offered and exercise in the gym will start in February. Social distancing and masks are required.

Oaklawn: Closed to public Park City: Meals and some activities offered. Call or check website, parkcityks.gov.

They have baseline activities. They have meals on wheels. Participation is low. Madison Shriner Valley Center: Closed.

Wichita: The Downtown, Linwood Park, Orchard Park and Northeast centers are closed.

BUTLER COUNTY Andover: Lunch is being served.

Call in by 10:00 a.m. the day before

for reservations. Grab-and-go lunches also offered. No activities.

Augusta: Meals and many activities being offered. Call or check website, augustaseniorcenter.com.

Benton: No information available.

Douglass: Meals can be ordered.

El Dorado: Meals can be ordered by calling in.

Leon: Lunch is being served and to-go meals offered. Limited activities.

Participation has decreased.

Rose Hill: Closed for remodeling.

Will be reopening in February.

Towanda: No information available Burrton: No information available.

HARVEY COUNTY Halstead: Exercise, yoga classes and foot clinics are being offered.

Meals and to-go meals are being served. Social distancing and masks are required. Participation is down some.

Hesston: Delivering meals daily, grab-and-go lunches also available.

Some activities.

Grand Central: Closed to the public. Outreach available by phone, email and web site. Grab-and-go lunches and meal delivery available.

Sedgwick: Closed to the public.

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Lunches by pickup or delivery.

DANCES Augusta, Park City, El Dorado: Dependent on weather and status of pandemic. Check with venues for updates.

Minisa Golden Age: No dances until further notice.

Prairie Wind Dancers: A beginner class for folk dancing meets at 2 p.m.

Thursday (except for third Thursday).

Limit of 15 people, masks required.

Westside Steppers Square Dance: No information available.

Wichita Solos Square Dance: No information available.

Resource Guide

Copies can be picked up at the active age office, 125 S. West St, Ste. 105, local senior centers, libraries and 150 locations around Wichita.

Page 14

the active age

February 2021

Blender salsa — good for whatever ails you

By Joe Stumpe My friend Elvira Crocker has made me love salsa even more than I already did, which I didn’t think was possible.

After Elvira gifted me with some of her delicious homemade salsa, we started e-mailing about the all the ways it can be used in cooking. I mentioned simmering stuffed cabbage

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rolls in it and using it to add a spicy, tomato-y kick to vegetable soup.

She said it was served with every soup in her house growing up, spooned into the broth or onto accompanying tortillas — and not just for taste.

“It’s a straight shot of Vitamin C. It will keep you healthy throughout the winter and helps avoid or fight colds,” wrote Elvira, a former chair of The Active Age’s volunteer board of directors.

“My uncle, who owned a couple of motels in Garden City, convinced one of his Anglo employees that eating salsa every day would help him fight his allergies. The guy thought it did, so he became a regular salsa eater thanks to my aunt. Whenever anyone in our households had or thought they were getting a cold, soup and salsa were immediately employed.”

To me, this makes perfect sense.

Three ingredients in most salsas — tomatoes, chiles and limes — are indeed packed with Vitamin C. Sadly, science has not yet confirmed our belief in the healing powers of salsa. According to sources such as webmd.com, “experts say there’s very little proof that vitamin C actually has any effect on the common cold.”

But maybe it’s not the vitamin C in salsa that does the trick. Perhaps it’s the chiles, which are known to activate the release of dopamine and endorphins, which are two of the body’s natural pain killers. Or maybe it’s just the overall deliciousness of the stuff, which makes us happy and therefore less stressed and therefore less prone to getting sick.

In any case, the winter cold season is the perfect time to enjoy salsa.

Instead of using fresh tomatoes, as is normal in the summer, make “blender salsa.” Even though it starts with canned tomatoes, blender salsa tastes fabulously fresh due to the addition of fresh onion, cilantro, chile and lime juice. The accompanying recipe, from online cooking personality Alyssa Rivers, is one I’ve made numerous times.

It reminds me of some of my favorite restaurant salsas.

Salsa savvy • Make a simple quesadilla by laying ham, cheese and salsa between two flour tortillas and browning them in skillet.

• Add to skillet-fried pork chops for a quick sauce.

• Spread green salsa (usually made with tomatillos) on corn on the cob.

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Blender Salsa

1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices 1/2 small red onion coarsely chopped 2 jalapenos seeds removed, and coarsely chopped, more or less to taste 2 garlic cloves 1 cup fresh cilantro loosely packed 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt or to taste Juice of one lime Instructions: In a blender, or food processor, add tomatoes, onion, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt and juice of one lime. Blend until the salsa is as chunky or smooth as you would like. Taste and add more salt if desired.

Chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

February 2021

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Page 15

Recipe for You or Two: Meatloaf Burgers

Linda Warrington is winner of a $25 gift certificate to The Spice Merchant for submitting this month’s Recipe for You or Two: Meatloaf Burgers.

Warrington said she’s “always loved to cook” but didn’t follow the classic patern of learning at her mother’s elbow. “My mom hated to cook and said if I’d cook and bake she would clean up the mess. I loved it!”

Warrington said her Meatloaf Burger recipe is really just a recipe for meatloaf that’s cooked in a pan or grilled instead of being baked. The difference is, the surface gets cooked like a hamburger, while the inside retains the lighter texture of meatloaf.

Ingredients that typically go on top of meatloaf as sauce — ketchup, brown sugar and mustard — are mixed in.

“The comment from my gentleman friend,” Warrington said, “is ‘Don’t ever make regular hamburgers again.’”

Linda Warrington To submit your Recipe for You or Two, mail or deliver it to: The Active Age, 125 S. West St., Suite 105, Wichita, KS, 67213 Or email: joe@theactiveage.com.

Please include contact information and put “Recipe for You” in the subject line if emailing.

Meatloaf Burgers

½ lb. ground sirloin ¼ cup panko bread crumbs (flaky Japanese-style bread crumbs available in the baking or Asian aisles of most supermarkets; regular breadcrumbs can be substituted) 1 egg, beaten ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 cup ketchup 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon mustard ½ teaspoon onion powder 1 tablespoon oil, for frying Directions: Combine all ingredients except oil in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Form mixture into burgers of desired size. Heat oil in a skillet (or prepare a grill) and fry over medium heat until desired doneness is reached.

Tip: Mini “slider” size hamburger buns are now widely available and make a great alternative to traditional buns.

Reside in Butler, Sedgwick or Harvey County?

Subscribe to The Active Age Call the office today at 316-942-5385 www.theactiveage.com

Page 16

Peace Corps

From Page 1 “Our neighbors and the community kept a protective eye on us. They brought their homegrown tomatoes and avocados. The community knew that we were there to help them so they were very thankful for us.”

In Liberia, one student gave Kambampati a note she’ll treasure forever: “You are an inspirational trainer; I shall forever miss your loving care and kindness. Your presence in Liberia brought many changes in life.”

Wichitans Shirley and Bill Strickler volunteered for the Peace Corps as a couple. Shirley is a retired medical technologist and Bill an Air Force veteran.

“We decided to volunteer because we thought it was time to give something back for the good life we had enjoyed,” she explained. “We both loved to travel. Our youngest child had gone into the Peace Corps just after she graduated from KU. She spent two years in The Kingdom of Tonga and had a wonderful experience. We were now both 60 years old and in good health, so we volunteered.”

Shirley Strickler taught science classes in a high school on Misimi, a volcanic island in Papua New Guinea, in the Pacific Ocean north of Austraila.

“I was also in charge of the students’ health. I diagnosed and treated from five to 25 cases of malaria every week.”

Life on Misima Island, located nearly 150 miles from the mainland, was not always easy.

“Although we had 24-hour electricity in our house, we had no running water,” she said. “You could not just run down to the store to pick

the active age

February 2021

up something.

Supplies came to the island either by air, one flight per day, or by boat.

I ordered food from a grocery on the mainland.

Sometimes it would arrive in a week. Next time it would take six weeks.”

Strickler enjoyed learning about another culture. The Stricklers were Courtesy photos the only two Shirley Strickler, right, said her students in Papua New Guinea developed good posture Americans on the by carrying books on their heads to class. island, although at an elementary school in a small planting gardens and persuading there were some town of about 2,000 miles due east Raleigh International, a charity active Australians working to mine gold. of Windhoek, the capital.

My major in remote, rural areas, to build a Robert Hite spent years as a projects were starting a chess program, playground. reporter for the Parsons Sun, covering collecting books for a library and an Hite also volunteered in the education, city hall, the police internship program.”

Ukraine, which he found more department and the courts. Since high Noting that activities for students challenging, primarily due to the school, he had wanted to volunteer for had previously been limited, Hite said barrier presented by Russian, a difficult the Peace Corps, offering assistance in some students competed in regional language to learn. In Nambia, a former areas of the world where people most and national chess tournaments, English colony, most people spoke needed help. and several became interested in English.

“I went to Namibia from 2002 to medical careers after completing the “I worked at an organization for 2004,” Hite, who now lives in Wichita, internship program.

The school’s invalids and large families and another said. “My assignment was as a Parents library grew from 30 books to more organization working to reduce the and Communities for Education than 1,500.

Other projects included spread of HIV/AIDS,” he said of volunteer. My site was in Witvlei, his time in the Ukraine. “This was a different experience. The culture is ife in the Peace Corps will not be easy. There will be no different by a lot. I felt like I got more salary and allowances will be at a level sufficient only to done at the HIV Center than the other organizations. We went into schools maintain health and meet basic needs. Men and women and gave presentations about how will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals of the HIV is spread and the importance of country in which they are stationed — doing the same work, eatstopping it.” ing the same food, talking the same language.

Peace Corps volunteers are American citizens, typically

- Statement of President John F. Kennedy upon

L

establishing the Peace Corps

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See next page

February 2021

Peace Corps From previous page

with a college degree, who work abroad for a period of two years after three months of training.

Volunteers work with governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, nongovernment organizations, and entrepreneurs in education, youth development, community health, business, information technology, agriculture and the environment.

Peace Corps also has a program for retirees and senior professionals called Response Volunteer. This program is for a term of three months to 12 months.

Last March, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Peace Corps announced

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Page 17

it was temporarily suspending operations. All volunteers — numbering nearly 7,000 — were evacuated from their posts.

The Peace Corps will mark its 60th anniversary in March with a variety of virtual and online activities. For more information, visit https://www. peacecorps.gov/.

Kambampati, the Stricklers and Hite believe they took part, as Kennedy put it, “in the great common task of bringing man to that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace.”

‘This is how we connect and the impact we make,” Kambampati stresses. “This is my passion.”

Contact Debbi Elmore at Debbi.Elmore2017@gmail.com

Courtesy photo

Lakshmi Kambampati painted murals with students in Liberia.

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Page 18

the active age

February 2021

Hug a scientist, they might just save your life

By Julie Doll Editor’s note: This is our last column from Julie Doll, who has hung up her pen, at least for now. We appreciate her well-researched and -reasoned pieces. For more of her columns, check out dolljulie.wordpress. com.

Scientists have done it again. They have come to the rescue of billions of people around the globe.

Their development of vaccines to ward off COVID-19 was done quickly and professionally, overseen by the FDA, whose job it is to ensure medical treatments and products are safe and effective.

The development of vaccines for COVID-19 was achieved faster than most officials and doctors in the field of epidemiology had dared to hope.

And the Trump administration gets credit for setting regulatory parameters and financial incentives that facilitated the U.S. work of the pharmaceutical companies involved.

But the true heroes in this story are the scientists from around the world who developed the vaccine, and the scientists who came before them.

No doubt, it was a global effort, one that depended on a huge body of

research already compiled on vaccines.

Without that earlier knowledge, bringing a COVID-19 vaccine to patients would have taken years.

The building-block nature of science has been recognized by those in the field for centuries. It was in 1675 that Isaac Newton gave us the quote: “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.”

Newton was not talking about vaccines, but of the ability to expand human knowledge by building on the work of scientists who had come earlier.

And that work was not always steeped in academia.

In the United States, inoculation against disease got its start in the early 1700s through an unusual collaboration involving a Puritan minister, his Black slave and a Boston doctor.

It was the enslaved West African Onesimus who described to his owner Cotton Mather the procedure of rubbing pus from a smallpox sore into the skin of a healthy person, which we now know triggered the body’s immune system to release antibodies to fight off the infection.

That method of vaccination was

used until Boston doctor Edward Jenner used Onesimus’ information and his own observations and experiments to develop a less risky inoculation for smallpox using the cowpox virus.

In the centuries since, vaccines have saved countless lives.

Scientists are still often mystified by new viruses and their mutations, and they still don’t fully understand some viruses – such as HIV – that they have studied for decades.

But what scientists have learned and put to use has extended the lives of people around the world, eradicating or reducing diseases that can cause paralysis, blindness, deafness, infertility and cancer, as well as death.

Measles, diphtheria, hepatitis, tuberculosis, polio … it’s a long list and still growing.

Often the biggest challenge facing doctors and scientists as they battle disease is the fear and disinformation spread by anti-vaccination forces.

It’s a serious obstacle in efforts to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19.

As they spread lies and mistrust, anti-vaccination groups and activists need to be countered by accurate in-

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formation from officials in government and science.

That information effort needs to be daily, widespread and include local, national and global media.

This is, after all, the best news we’ve had in a long while.

2020 was the year scientists rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

2021 can be the year Americans roll up their sleeves and get the vaccine, thereby helping – rather than thwarting – the effort to save hundreds of thousands more lives.

A native of Garden City, Julie Doll is a former journalist who has worked at newspapers in California, Indiana and New York, as well as across Kansas.

Answers for quiz on page 8 1. Jerry Maguire 2. Forrest Gump 3. Love Story 4. You’ve Got Mail 5. Casablanca 6. It’s a Wonderful Life 7. Gone with the Wind 8. Titanic 9. Pride and Prejudice 10. On Golden Pond

February 2021

the active age

Page 19

Biden reminds friend of ‘Mr. Kansas Republican’

By Mike Hoeflich I have had the fortune to serve as dean of two law schools: Syracuse University and the University of Kansas. Law school deans get to know the alumni. Thus, I have met many politicians. And as Joe Biden prepares to take office, I’m struck by the fact that his decency and dedication to public service reminds me of a Kansas politician named Glee S. Smith, Jr. I met Biden in 1988 during his ill-fated presidential campaign, which ended amid allegations of plagiarism.

Much to my surprise, he was an ordinary guy struggling with an unfortunate scandal trying to protect his family from the public reaction.

We became friends even though our politics were different. I also got to know Jill Biden and was delighted when their son Beau decided to attend Syracuse Law. The Biden family and mine spent a good deal of time together in those years. We had dinners at small country inns around Syracuse and spent hours talking about everything from politics to what it was like to dress like a senator. Our friendship developed during the Clarence Thomas Senate confirmation hearings, since I knew both Thomas and Biden. We often spoke during those difficult days.

Indeed, Biden invited me to serve as a special counsel to the Judiciary Committee for the hearings, but I declined, not wanting to spend the summer in Washington.

In the past few years I have heard terrible things said about the Bidens — especially Joe — and assume that the negative chorus will only get louder now that he will be president. But these naysayers don’t know him. I do, and I can testify that he is a good man

Opinion committed to serving the nation and its citizens. I remember one weekend when we went to dinner at a small local restaurant. Joe hadn’t eaten all day, but when the folks in the restaurant recognized him he spoke to every single one of them about whatever they asked. It only takes one discussion with Joe Biden to feel that he is your friend. And he is.

I witnessed Biden’s deep and abiding faith in God and in the nation he has served for decades. I remember how proud he was when Beau went overseas with his National Guard unit.

Joe Biden is a man who cherishes his family, and as a result of losing two children, his empathy for the pain of others is amazing. When I resigned as dean at Syracuse, he called and asked if he could help me to get a new job. He had spent hours telephoning people to find job leads for me! When I told him that I was moving for a job at the University of Kansas, he was genuinely relieved. America needs empathetic leaders now more than ever. Joe Biden is one.

Glee Smith was another. He served 16 years in the Kansas Senate, with eight years as president of the Senate. (KansasMemory.org, Kansas Historical Society) He was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Kansas in 1994.

Glee was truly “Mr. Kansas Republican.”

As president of the state Senate from 1965 until 1973, Glee was a voice of reason, moderation and tolerance, who fought for the interests of all Kansans regardless of party or politics.

President Joe Biden has personal and leadership qualities similar to former Kansas State Senate President Glee S. Smith, Jr. (right), a mutal of both says.

Besides serving in state government, he assisted many charities and educational institutions and was counselor to hundreds of Kansans both through his law practice, which he maintained almost until his death, and to the huge number of politicians, university administrators and others who sought his informal wisdom and advice.

Glee grew up in Western Kansas — his father was a cattle broker — and after service in the Army during World War II and graduation from KU Law, he and Gerry moved back to Larned where they raised their family until they retired to Lawrence.

I had lunch with Glee on many Thursdays for more than a decade. One day, he told me of his unlikely friendship with Hillary Clinton.

Both had served on the board of the Legal Services Corporation and had become friends. Many years later, when Bill became president, Hillary gave Glee her direct number in case Glee ever needed to reach her. Glee thought that was quite delightful. To

www.theactiveage.com

me, it was just another example of how Glee’s decency bridged the political divide.

The United States needs to heal.

We are divided in too many ways; millions of Americans are in pain and poverty. There is rage abroad in the land. Now more than ever, our republic needs leaders who can overcome partisanship, bridge differences, and work together to bring us together.

We need more men and women like Joe Biden and Glee Smith, men and women committed to serving the nation, putting the people ahead of partisanship and bringing selflessness, decency and humanity to our great nation’s leadership.

Mike Hoeflich is a professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. This column first appeared in the Kansas Reflector, a nonprofit online news operation based in Topeka.

Page 20

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February 2021

Music, bikes and watermelon

South Central neighborhood evokes fond memories

By Pat O’Connor The South Central neighborhood is one of Wichita’s oldest. The Orme and Phillips Addition was platted in 1876, six years after the city was incorporated. In the early days, travel to work downtown was a quick walk or streetcar ride. Some of the city’s grandest homes were built among the many middle-class and more modest dwellings.

ALAN KAILER Kailer left the city at age 21 and recently retired back here. He is active in Bike Walk Wichita.

“I grew up on 2227 S. Wichita. My parents bought a brand-new house, probably on the G.I. Bill. It cost $10,000, built in 1954. They thought they were rolling.

“There was an old watermelon stand on Broadway right behind the Pawnee Drive-in. That was definitely one of the highlights of our family activities. They had old picnic tables set up there, lights strung across the trees. There was a little corner grocery store at the southeast corner of Pawnee and Broadway, that my dad worked at nights as a second job.

“There were some older homes in the neighborhood. There were half a dozen homes on our block that were basically the same design. I went to Longfellow Elementary through the third grade, and then I went to Stanley. I walked to Longfellow, even in kindergarten; came home for lunch. Then Hamilton junior high and South High. I didn’t think Hamilton was rough — you got in a couple of fights. I was in the next to the last class at South that graduated as Colonels.

“I passed out handbills for a while before I was 16 — sort of like a paper route but you could do it anytime of the day. My first real job was at the Dillons store at Harry and Broadway. I worked there for four years, starting at $1.35 an hour.

“Lots of kids in the neighborhood. We played outside all day long. There were one or two vacant lots, and we played baseball, rode our bikes around.

I had a red J.C. Higgins bike, 24-inch wheels.

Sometime in high school, I got a racer from J.C. Penney’s, and in 1972, I bought a Raleigh Super Sports, a real expensive bike, $300. My first car actually cost $135.

“I have one good friend, Dan. We were in the same grade. Dan worked at Dillons with me and later at a house that had been converted into a grocery store at Mt. Vernon and Water: Lynn’s Food Lane. I hung out there. Later he worked at Larcher’s on East Central. Now that was a nice store.

“It was neat growing up with all the kids around. It was a different world. You could be gone all day long, wander in and out of people’s houses. When I rode my bike as a kid, we didn’t go east of Broadway or past the river on the west or south. We rode up to Harry on the north. Next to the Dillons on Harry and Broadway there was a TG&Y. Mt Vernon and Broadway, there was a Peter Pan Ice Cream Store we went to, and the Dairy Queen a couple blocks north of that.

“Broadway back then was not glamorous by any means, but I didn’t think it was rough. I went to Tom Sawyer bike shop on Broadway, originally mowers and bicycles. I went there a lot. It was a

“My location at one time was a gay bar, a biker bar. Toward the end, one of the older vice detectives came in. He said I had the least trouble of any bar in Wichita. ‘If you ever have any problems, we would give you the benefit of the doubt.’”

“The Wichita Wings were born in my tavern. One of the management guys came in and wanted to borrow some soccer magazines to look at the centerfold so they could do the same thing.

I loaned him 10 or 12 magazines. ‘I’ll have these back to you in a couple weeks.’ Never saw them again. Also, AYSO [American Your Soccer Organization] Region 49 was born in my tavern.”

Wichita's second firestation, now home to the Kansas Firefighters Museum, is a landmark in the South Central neighborhood along with the Tom Sawyer Bicycle Shop. A popular bar called the Soccer Club operated in the 1970s. different building back then.”

RICHARD BROWN Brown grew up in Planeview and graduated second in his class at Planeview High School. His tavern was at Hydraulic and Mt. Vernon, the eastern boundary of the South Central neighborhood.

“I started the Soccer Club tavern while I was still at Boeing. I got laid off. We offered music almost immediately, ‘73-’74. Phil Yearout played there up to the end, and Denise Stiff played there. She was later manager for Alison Krauss. She held the record for donations. We would pass the old beat-up soccer ball for the collection for the musicians. I guaranteed $20 for the night.

“United Distributors had the first lease on the building. You could not have anybody else’s machines, even your own. And I was told if you rented a location from him, you had to have Schlitz on tap. I had three guitar winners from the Walnut Valley Festival perform here.

We were pretty much booked up with regular performers. Didn’t have any trouble with customers. I had to cut some people off. www.theactiveage.com

LARRY MONG Mong is a transplant to Wichita. His observations give a more recent perspective on South Central.

“I always push this neighborhood. If you didn’t grow up here in Wichita — this is not a bad neighborhood. I am six blocks from the river and eight blocks from downtown. I can ride a bike or walk. This house was built in 1906 by P. M. Randall, head salesman at the McCormick Machinery Company downtown.

“We moved to Wichita because of this house.

We used to drive up here antiquing. In 1999, a friend of ours was looking for a house, so we drove him up here and looked at this house with him.

He didn’t take it, so my wife said ‘You want a different life?’ and I said ‘Yeah.’ I was a body [and fender] man, my wife was a schoolteacher. She got a job up here and I retired but I still work. My job is this house."

“We’ve been here for 20 years, and I’m still working on the house. This was a working-class neighborhood even in the 50s and 60s. What happened — a lot of the properties turned into rentals because of the aircraft industry during World War II. They lost homeowners. But there are about 10 young couples who have moved into the neighborhood, bought up houses and are fixing them up. They are smart kids, hard-working young people who don’t believe in debt.

“A little bungalow in downtown Dallas is $300,000. House like this would be $1,500,000.

We have good police down here and good neighbors. I have to admit, there is a spice of life.

It’s city living. In the 60s and into the 70s, this neighborhood was a hell of a lot worse than it is now—drugs.

“In Texas, you had to load the bicycles in the truck and drive somewhere to ride. Here, you have a bike lane right outside the front door. I love living here because of the biking and walking.”

These interviews were conducted as part of the Wichita Old Neighborhood Project. If you have a story about your old neighborhood, contact Pat O’Connor at wichlitsoc@gmail.com or (316) 832-0309.

For Pat's previous stories on Wichita neighborhoods, visti www.theactiveage.com.

February 2021

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Page 21

Calendar of Events Sedgwick County Senior Centers

Note to readers: Senior center schedules and other events normally listed on this page are expected to be affected by the coronavirus through February. For information, call the numbers listed below.

BEL AIRE 7651 E Central Park Ave 744-2451, ext 121 www.belaireks.org BENTLEY/EAGLE 504 W Sterling, 796-0027 CHENEY 516 Main, 542-3721 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 EDGEMOOR 5815 E 9th, 688-9392

GARDEN PLAIN 1006 N Main, 535-1155 GODDARD 120 N Main, 794-2441 HAYSVILLE 160 E Karla, 529-5903 KECHI Kechi City Building, 744-0217, 744-1271 LA FAMILIA 841 W 21st, 267-1700 LINWOOD 1901 S Kansas, 263-3703 www.seniorservicesofwichita.org MCADAMS GOLDEN AGE 1329 E 16th, 337-9222 MT HOPE 105 S Ohio, 667-8956

Butler County Senior Centers ANDOVER 410 Lioba Dr, 733-4441 www.andoverks.com AUGUSTA 640 Osage, 775-1189

CASSODAY Cassoday Senior Center 133 S. Washington, 620-735-4538

BENTON Lion’s Community Bldg, S Main St

EL DORADO 210 E 2nd, 321-0142

DOUGLASS 124 W 4th, 746-3227

www.seniorwednesday.org

NOTE: DUE TO CORONAVIRUS, THE SENIOR WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY IS INCOMPLETE. FOR MORE INFO, CHECK SENIORWEDNESDAY.ORG OR CONTACT THE HOSTING VENUES.

Feb. 10 10 am Sedgwick County Zoo. Love Is In The Air: A Look At Pheromones 1:30 pm Advanced Learning Library.

Exploring the Architecture of Kansas – Marci Penner & WenDee Rowe

Feb. 17 10 am Ulrich Museum of Art. Angela Bates: Children of the Promised Land 1:30 pm The Kansas African American Museum. Information unavailable.

Feb. 24 10 am Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum Information unavailable.

1:30 pm Exploration Place Information unavailable.

Derby Sr Center, 611 Mulberry.

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

Goldenrod Golden Age, 1340 S Pattie.

Linwood Golden Age, 1901 S Kansas.

Minisa Golden Age, 704 W 13th. Info 617-2560.

Mulvane, 101 E. Main (Pix Community Center).

Oaklawn Activity Center cafeteria, 4904 S Clifton. Info: iamgary48@yahoo.com.

Orchard Park Golden Age, 4808 W 9th.

OAKLAWN 2937 Oaklawn Dr, 524-7545 ORCHARD PARK 4808 W 9th, 942-2293 seniorservicesofwichita.org PARK CITY 6100 N Hydraulic, 744-1199 VALLEY CENTER VC Community Center 314 E Clay, 755-7350

LEON 112 S Main, 745-9200 or 742-9905 ROSE HILL 207 E Silknitter, 776-0170 TOWANDA 317 Main, 776-8999 Open 10:30 am-5 pm Mon, Wed, Fri WHITEWATER Legion Hall, 108 E Topeka

BURRTON 124 N Burrton, 620-463-3225

HALSTEAD 523 Poplar, 835-2283 HESSTON Randall & Main, 620-327-5099 www.hesstonseniorcenter.com GRAND CENTRAL 122 E 6th, Newton, 283-2222 www.newtonseniorcenter.org SEDGWICK 107 W. Fifth, 772-0393

Transportation Sedgwick County

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

Dances

Augusta Sr Center, 640 Osage. . Info: 755-1060

www.seniorservicesofwichita.org

Harvey County

Senior Wednesdays

Feb. 3 10 am Wichita Art Museum Meet the Artists from Foot in the Door 1:30 pm Museum of World Treasures Information unavailable.

MULVANE 632 E Mulvane, 777-4813 NORTHEAST 2121 E 21st, 269-4444

Butler County Transit

Park City Sr Center, 6100 N Hydraulic. Info: 755-1060 Prairie Wind Dancers: Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N Clifton. Joyce, 683-1122.

Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S Clifton. Info: Nick, 529-2792, or Mike, 650-2469. wichitacontra.org.

Westside Steppers Square Dance, Clare Hall, 861 N Socora (one block east of Central & Tyler).. Info: David, 992-7820; email: westsidesteppers@hotmail.com Wichita Solos Square Dance, Dawson UMC, 2741 S Laura. Info: Curtis, wichitasolos@yahoo.com.

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.

Harvey County

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

NOTE: AGING PROJECTS, INC. PLANNED TO MAKE FRIENDSHIP MEALS AVAILBALE THROUGH PICK UP AND DELIVERY IF NECESSARY. FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MEAL SITE OR CALL 316-681-4440

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 620-669-8201.

WEEK OF FEB. 1 Mon: New England Stew, green beans, peaches, molasses cookie, bread.

Tue: Chicken & cheese casserole, combination salad, pineapple, garlic bread.

Wed: BBQ beef, potato wedges, cole slaw, mandarin oranges.

Thu: Oven fried chicken, parslied potatoes, mixed vegetable, apricots, wheat roll.

Fri: Beef tips, broc/cauliflower salad, applesauce, peanut butter cookie.

WEEK OF FEB. 8 Mon: Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, cream gravy, greenbeans, mixed fruit, roll.

Tue: Ham Salad, split pea soup, broccoli, pineapple, cracker.

Wed: Meatloaf, potatoes au gratin, mixed vegetable, blushing pears, roll.

Thu: Pork roast in gravy, sweet potatoes, peas, strawberries, white cake, wheat roll.

Fri:Chicken fajita salad, mexican rice, mandarian oranges, bread pudding.

WEEK OF JAN. 18 Mon: Harvest turkey soup, broccoli/ cauliflower salad, cranberry sauce, peach crisp, wheat roll.

Tue: Mexican lasagna, confetti rice, combination salad, applesauce.

Wed: Liver and onions or beef cutlet, mashed potatoes with gravy, parslied carrots, blushing pears, roll.

Thu: Oven fried chicken, cabbage au gratin, mixed vegetables, peaches, wheat roll.

Fri: Sausage gravy over a biscuit, potato wedges, peas, strawberries.

WEEK OF FEB. 15 Mon: Ham & Beans, potatoes & onions, sunshine salad, peaches, cornbread.

Tue:Southwest Chicken bake, cauliflower, applesauce, lime gelatin w/ mixed fruit, garlic bread.

Wed: Tuna Patty w/ tartar sauce, potato wedges, creamed peas, banana, gingerbread.

Thu: Chicken salad, vegetable soup, orange juice, pears, cracker.

Fri: Cheesy Potato & egg bake, parslied carrots, strawberries, coffee cake.

WEEK OF FEB. 22 Mon: Liver & onions or Beef in gravy, baked potato, broccoli, peaches.

Tue:Chicken & noodles over mashed potatoes, green beans, mixed fruit, oatmeal crispie, roll.

Wed: Beef & cabbage, harvard beets, blushing pears, lemon pudding,roll.

Thu: Turkey chili, combination salad, pineapple, cracker, cinnamon roll.

Fri: Oven fried fish w/ tartar sauce, macaroni & cheese, spinach, strawberries, butterscotch square.

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

Page 22

the active age

February 2021

Classified Advertising

Place an ad: 942-5385

F CEMETERY PROPERTY FOR SALE F

F CEMETERY PROPERTY FOR SALE F

F HOME CARE F

F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONTF

BEATUIFUL MAUSOLEUM SPACE FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE Wichita Park Old Mission Cemetery on west garden wall. Value $7,690 asking $6,000 OBO, financing available. Contact HG 214-502-2463 or email hg@hghurtt.com

Burial Space w/ pre-installed vault. White Chapel, Garden of the Gethsemane. Lot 48-B, space 1. Value $2,697. Sell for $1,900.

316-765-4428.

Private Duty Aide with light house keeping.

Availability evenings and weekends.

References upon request.

Cynthia CNA/HHA 316-992-6711

White Chapel Memorial in Last Supper Section. 3 adjoining lots 292B Spaces1,2,3. Value $6,300. Sell $4,000/all or $1,500/each. Transfer fee included. 316-990-5442.

Sisters Dependable caregiver for elderly person in their home.

Alzheimer's & Dementia. Cleaning, cooking & meds. Weekends, night, days or overnight.

30 years’ experience. 316-390-9526

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

Resthaven Garden of Gospel. 91C-1, by water, double depth crypt w/vault. Companion bronze headstone. Seller pays transfer fee.

Value $10,000, asking $7,000.

Call Bill 316-259-2597.

Resthaven, 2 adjoining plots in Garden of the Lords Prayer. Selling for $3,500.

Call Bev 316-518-4953.

Lakeview Gardens, Garden of Meditation. 4 plots together. Will sell pairs or all 4 for $2,200 per plot. Buyer pays transfer fees.

Call 620-456-3336.

4 lots at Resthaven Sermon on the Mount. $2,000 per lot. $8,000 for ALL. Seller will pay transfer fee. Call 501-864-7180.

Two plots at White Chapel Memorial. Lot 271-A, spaces 3 & 4 in Sermon on the Mount. $2,325 which includes transfer fee of $425.

Email Judils@cox.net or call 316-727-1123.

White Chapel Garden of Nativity, lot 19-A, Space 1,2,3,4. Includes 2-Top seal vaults and 2 Top Seal Lids also has companion marker.

Valued at $8,970 Asking $4,000 OBO. Must sell Moving to Nebraska. Call 316-573-7253 Lakeview Gardens 2 plots in Garden of the Apostles $2800 for both plus transfer fees.

OBO call or text 316-712-3318 Rest Haven Mortuary Garden of the Gospels 2 Each, Double Depth Lawn Crypt Side By Side Plots w/Markers; 31D1 & 31D2 For Sale $6,000 ea. OBO Note: Transfer Fee for each is $295.00 Will Consider Any Reasonable Offer.

Call 316-393-2995 Or email hwhitetree@gmail.com Resthaven, Sermon on the Mount garden, 4 adjoining lots. Current price $17,980 sell for $8,000. Will separate. Buyer pays fees.

316-680-8533.

Resthaven Devotion Garden, two adjoining plots. Current price $4,495 each. Will sell for $3,000 each OBO. Buyer pays fees. Email: dsiemslarson@gmail.com.

One cemetery plot for sale. Value $3,000, Sell for $1,500 OBO Plus transfer fee. Lakeview Garden of Memory. gertrudeburnside@yahoo.com or 480-807-2373 Lakeview Gardens-Meditation. 2 adjoining plots. Valued at $3,000 each. Sell for $2,200 each. Call or text 785-366-0237.

Resthaven, Sermon on the Mount garden, 4 adjoining lots. Current price $17,980 sell for $8,000. Will separate. Buyer pays fees.

316-680-8533.

F CLEANING SERVICESF Scooperman’s pet waste removal Big Dogs, Little Dogs. Weekly. Best Dependable Service. Call JR any time 316-806-8184.

F ESTATE SALES 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 CUSTOMIZED ESTATE SALES GREATER PROFITS WITH LESS STRESS Insured with 20 years experience Free Consultations 316-806-7360 Julie IPK Enterprises Estate Sales.

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

HAVING TO DOWNSIZE? MAKE MONEY DOING IT! TOP Wichita Auction Dave Dvorak * 316-641-5690 www.topwichitaauction.com

F FIREWOOD FOR SALEF Seasoned split and delivered premium firewood.

Premium Oak mix, locust, pecan, hot stove mix.

Any quantity. 316-807-8650.

F FOOT CARE F Foot Care in home.

Home visit $40.00 Call Francine at 316-943-4360.

Leave a message.

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 FOR SALE F

Holiday Special

Save 10% on your spring marker refinishing when you order before February 15th

Memorialrestoration.com 316-925-5590 Preserving Memories of a Lifetime Serving Wichita and surrounding area

Quantum i level electric wheelchair. WC-19 Transit Securement System. 4000.00. Used condition.

Call 316-806-8386

F FURNITURE F Downsizing?

Don't have an Auction, or Estate Sale.

We Buy Entire Estates, Storage Units, Garages, Barns, Sheds.

Call Kelly 316-283-8536.

Furniture Warehouse 200 Main Newton, KS

Mary’s Retirement Home Private room & bath. 24 hr care.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia welcome. Meals daily.

Assist w/meds & doctors’ appointments.

Affordable rates. 316-390-9526.

F HIRINGF ATTENTION JOB SEEKERS AGE 55 & BETTER – The Senior Employment Program can assist you in your job search. We offer referrals, job lists and other valuable services. We advocate for the older worker, helping hundreds of people find work each year!

For more information call 316-267-1771 or email – cheriew@seniorservicesofwichita.org.

Seeking CNA's, HHA's or Non Medical Staff

If you are mature, responsible, loving with reliable transportation. Saint Raphael Nursing Services has clients who need light housekeeping and personal care. You can choose your clients and choose your hours.

No minimum required. Please call the office at 316-269-5400.

Derby, Haysville, Mulvane, Rose Hill, South Wichita.

Exterior & Intereior. House painting, siding, decks, fences. Build, repair and stain. Free Estimates and references. See us on angieslist.com.

Keith Kimball 316-250-2265 or 316-789-9639 Be Blessed. Thank you.

Free Estimates Licensed * Bonded *I nsured Beard & Son Concrete construction Drive ways, sidewalks, patio and landscaping. Dirt work and more. I bid’em to get’em.

Steve 316-773-9320 cell 316-259-0629 Need junk or downed tree limbs hauled off?

Semi-retired handyman will clean gutters, perform fence or minor home repairs. Treating your home as if it were my own. Call Lee at 316-633-9986.

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

Insured. Free Estimates.

CALL DAN 316-516-3949

EARN BIG COMMISSION Outside Sales Rep Wanted in

Butler & Harvey Counties We are looking for a self motivated

person who would like to make some extra $$$ promoting the active age.

Must be comfortable with cold calls.

Call Mike at 613-3547 or email mike@theactiveage.com

F HOME IMPROVEMENTS F Dave’s Improvements Painting—interior/exterior. Doors and windows replaced, grab bars, wheelchair ramps. All general repairs. Guaranteed lowest rates. Senior citizen discount. Lic #7904.

316-312-2177 Molina Electric - Wichita Lic #1364 Comm. or Residential wiring. Service calls. New electric service. Troubleshooting. Cell 316-461-2199.

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, ect, what you need done I can probably handle. Call for HELP! Brian 316-217-0882.

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

Free estimates. Senior discounts.

Todd Wenzel 316-393-4488 The Handyman Can Brock Eastman 316.765.1677

www.theactiveage.com

S & V Concrete SNOW REMOVAL

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

LIFT-RITE GARAGE DOORS

Scheduled maintenance, repair, sales on all garage doors. *Springs-Torsion & Extension *Garage Door Openers, Doors & More Paul Williams (316) 650-8807

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Send details to P.O Box 13557, Denver CO 80201 Please check your ad carefully and Donate your Durable Medical Equipment. Will pick check offladythe applicable boxes and Active 75 yr old caring, kind and compassionate. up. Tax credit. Medical Loan Closet of Wichita. 316Looking for the same in a companion. Looks not initial to indicate 779-8989 important it’s the heart. Write Box #22, c/o the MOWING active age, 125 S. West ST, Ste 105, Wichita, KS 67213. your acceptance Affordable truck or van and utility trailer, needing Residential/ Commercial spring. *NEEDING A WOOD BURING STOVE* 316Looking Check to communicate ____ offer with someone by FALL Clean-Up • Verticutting/Overseeding 807-4989 who has had Covid-19 or someone who has Shrub Trimming • Gutter Cleaning ____ Check name, phone experienced Covid-19 with address, a close friend/ SNOW REMOVAL & MORE! family member.

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February 2021

Legislative session: testing, technology and too many glitches

Editor’s note: The Active Age invited state Rep. Elizabeth Bishop of Wichita, the Kansas Legislature’s most senior member, to share some of her experiences during the 2021 session. This is her first column.

By Elizabeth Bishop TOPEKA — Starting my third term in the Kansas House of Representatives, I knew things were going to be different in the time of a pandemic.

But I was not prepared for how much things are changed.

The Kansas state capitol was built over four decades and declared complete in 1903. In this century, it was lovingly (and expensively) renovated over 13 years, being completed in 2013.

When I arrived in 2017, the building was a beautiful reflection of its former glory. It provided a resplendent backdrop to the serious business of creating laws for Kansas.

Arriving on Jan. 11, we found that this 19th Century building has been MacGyvered into our highly wired 21st Century. The committee rooms now have two or more gigantic monitors hanging on the walls. The monitors allow for hearings to be conducted with members, conferees (those wishing to testify before a committee) and staff attending via Webex, a computer appli-

cation similar to Zoom. The Kansas Legislative Research Department, staffers who assist legislators in crafting bills, attend hearings only by Webex.

Much effort Rep. Bishop has gone into helping legislators and others in the building socially distance. All staff and most (but not all) legislators wear masks. Hand cleaner is available everywhere. Plastic barriers have been installed, especially in areas to protect staff, such as around the speaker’s desk where staff sit who keep track of bill introductions and do bill reading, plus around the chief clerk’s desk.

But the biggest change is the seating of legislators in the chamber.

The east and west balcony galleries are closed to the public and legislators are seated in both. On the floor every other desk is being used. Voting will be different. Typically, we use buttons on our desk to vote. Red for no, green for yes, yellow for present. These votes would appear on the large boards at the front of the room, a process that

created the expression “to follow your light,” meaning to follow the lead of someone who has the most expertise on a particular bill.

This year we will vote via computer, a process we expect to use the first time the week of Jan. 18. We no longer assemble every morning as a whole in the chamber to share a prayer, pledge allegiance to the flag, rub elbows with colleagues and listen to bill introductions. This I miss.

In fact, we had only two meetings the first week where we all were present. The first was to declare the session open. We then left and returned 10 at a time to be sworn in. We met together one more time to formally declare to Gov. Laura Kelly that “the Legislature is organized,” a time-honored ceremony required by law. Normally the governor would deliver the State of the State address at this time, with members of the Kansas Supreme Court and other officials present. This year, Kelly delivered the speech virtually, and I greatly missed being part of this solemn occasion.

Legislators spend the bulk of their time in committee meetings. The committee rooms have also been spread out for social distancing. Since most committee rooms are quite small, this

often entails meeting in two adjoining rooms and counting on microphones and Webex to follow the proceedings.

The trouble is that numerous glitches in the technology make this difficult and sometimes impossible. Of the six committee meetings I attended in the first week, only two were able to complete the whole agenda, and that was with delays while staff worked on either Webex or microphone failures.

For committees meeting in two rooms, often the microphone needed for the second room did not work. Tech staff worked feverishly to get balky equipment up and running.

The result of all this was a feeling ranging from stressful to terrifying when crowding occurred, such as in the small rooms and in elevators.

A positive note is the extensive testing being provided by the legislature thanks to a program developed

by Wichita State University called the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory. This allows us — legislators and staff — to test as often as we wish with results coming within 24 hours. The testing utilizes saliva (ugh, I know, but better than a nose swab) and is the PCR test, which has a high degree of accuracy. I tested upon arriving and before leaving, grateful that both tests were negative.

Kansas Advocates for Better Care It remains to be seen how the COVID pandemic will impact the 2021 Kansas Legislative session. Two important pieces of legislation KABC hoped to get hearings on did not take place as a result of the early legislative adjournment in 2020 due to COVID 19. KABC is hopeful this year will see passage of these bills, which would significantly improve the rights of

residents in adult care facilities.

Charlie’s Bill. Currently if a resident in an assisted living, residential health care or home plus facility receives notice from the facility that they are being involuntarily discharged — essentially being evicted from her/his home — the resident does not have the right to appeal that life-altering decision to an independent judge such as a State Fair Hearing

Officer. Adults live in residential facilities in order to receive assistance with healthcare and supportive services, and many have dementia or are on hospice, or are physically frail. When they are involuntarily discharged, they are told they must find a new place to receive care and live within 30 days, often times an impossibility for them, and yet, they have no right to appeal to an independent judge.Charlie’s Bill would secure that right — a right the man it’s named for did not have. Charlie was on hospice when he was evicted, dying within a few days after being moved out of the facility that had promised to be his home.

Electronic Recording in Adult Care Facilities. When this law passed in 2018 it was intended to strengthen protections to prevent or interrupt

abuse and neglect of older adults living in long-term care facilities by allowing the use of electronic recording in the resident’s private room. Unfortunately for elders who most need its protection, facility lobbyists were successful in weakening its protection. The bill was weakened by adding the requirement that an electronic recording made in the resident’s room had to meet a more difficult standard to be used as evidence in any administrative or court proceeding than a recording made in any other setting, including a hospital, another type of business or if the recording was made in their home in the community.

Kansas Advocates for Better Care is a nonprofit that seeks improvements in long-term care in the state.

'Charlie's Bill' would require hearings before evictions

www.theactiveage.com

February 2021

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Page 25

Kansas art exhibit in Newton

NEWTON—Carriage Factory Art Gallery is hosting the fourth annual juried exhibit, “Kansas Through the Eyes of an Artist.” Artists included in the exhibit are Velera Adams, Kayann Ausherman, Victor Blakey, Aaron Jackson Bowman, Tara Clark, Jean Cook, Betty Eller, Marilyn Friesen, Constance Gehring, Mary Goering, Diane Goldschmidt, Pam Hayes, Diane L. Lawrence, Gail Lutsch, John D. Morrison, Kelly Nachtigal, Bob Neace, Virgil Penner, Stephen Perry, Bob Regier, Karen Robben, Kathleen Schroeder, Jim Simpson, Jeffery Sparks, Kathy Waltner, Jennifer Weigel, and Cathy L. Wilkins.

The exhibit, which runs through March 19, includes pastels, oils, watercolors, acrylics, colored pencil, photography and mixed media.

Works featured in the exhibit are priced between $100 and $3,900 and are available for purchase. A video and

“Break Down” by Karen Robben. digital catalog detailing the works of the show will also be available on the gallery’s website.

For more information, visit carriagefactoryartgallery.com

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February 2021

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Thank You Recent Donors!

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Honor Roll of Donors

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These readers recently contributed $50 or more to the 2021 donation campaign.

Why I donate to The Active Age

John Davis

Do you watch out for your mail carrier bringing The Active Age to your door each month? Do you immediately read it from front to back? How about those articles that help you remember places where you grew up or friends you have known for years? And all those helpful articles on financial matters, health, cooking, gardening and entertainment? If you do any of these, then you should be making a donation to this newspaper. Large or small, all donations are welcome and help ensure that The Active Age continues to arrive in your mailbox every month.

— John Davis, Wichita

Support the active age-make a donation

Call the office at 316-942-5385 to make a secure credit card donation Send a check to 125 S. West Street, Ste. 105 Wichita, KS 67213 Donate securely online at www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1985807 Dillons Community Rewards: the active age will earn a reward any time you use your DIllons card if we are your designated non-profit. www.theactiveage.com

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