Important Notice:
To subscribe for FREE call 316-942-5385
Vol 46 No. 3
www.theactiveage.com
Kansas’ Largest Newspaper
African Americana
February 2025
Printed at Valley Center, KS
New credit card charge now legal
Collection ranges from family to the famous
ACTIVE AGING PUBLISHING, INC 125 S West St., Suite 105 Wichita, Ks 67213
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Wichita, KS 67276 Permit 1711
By Joe Stumpe The first history Gerald Norwood got interested in was his own family’s, and who could blame him? Norwood’s grandfather, Henry, spent his childhood enslaved on plantations in North Carolina and southwest Arkansas. Following the Civil War, Henry and his older brother made their way on foot about 130 miles north in Arkansas, settling near Fort Smith. There, Henry became a respected member of the community — a landowner, father of twelve and noted hunting guide in the then wild woods
of northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma (not yet a state). To be one generation removed from slavery, his grandson knows, is rare. Today, old family photographs, marriage and death certificates, sharecropping records and other documents are among Gerald Norwood’s prized possessions. But his collecting has grown to include many aspects of what’s sometimes called African Americana — documenting the triumphant as well as tragic aspects of black life in the United States. Many of the objects are available, by appointment, to scholars and the public at Wichita State University’s Special Collections Library and Tulane University’s Amistad Research Center in New Orleans. “I was always interested in exposing people to new ideas and things they may not have come across,” Norwood said.
Gerald Norwood has collected historical documents such as a a contract signed by legendary singer Billie Holiday (above) and a bill for transportation of a slave (lower left). That includes a receipt (in British pounds) for transportation of a slave via ship; a slave badge or tag, by which See Americana, page 6
Therapy dog Jax makes friends young when and old you have him?” asked Jax’s By Amy Geiszler-Jones DERBY — On a cold January morning, it didn’t take long for Cleda Justice to make a heartwarming connection with the young male visitor seated next to her in the lounge of Brookdale Derby senior living community. “He’s marvelous,” Justice said as she ran her hands along the soft, fluffy fur of Jax, a 2 ½-year-old golden retriever and certified therapy dog. “I love dogs.” That love was very evident during Jax’s visit. At one point, Jax gently pushed his 102-pound body against Justice’s leg as she leaned over to quietly talk to him and kiss the top of his head. “Who needs a weighted blanket
If you are receiving duplicate or unwanted copies of The Active Age, please let us know by calling (316) 942-5385 or emailing joe@theactiveage. com.The money saved on printing and postage helps us continue delivering The Active Age to people who wish to receive it.
owner, Kathy Jewett, referring to the retriever’s version of pressure therapy, which feels much like a calming hug. “You can see why I love him, too,” Jewett said. “I’ve always had a heart for dogs and for serving others,” said Jewett, who retired in January 2023 from a nearly 36-year career as a human resources executive. She’d started her career at the Coleman Co. and later worked at Foley Equipment Co., Kaman Composites and XLT Ovens. She continues to serve as a board director for Mid American Credit Union, the National Association of Workforce See Jax, page 7
Questions about services?
Central Plains Area Agency on Aging/Sedgwick County Department on Aging: 1-855-200-2372
The Active Age Changes in Kansas law may have an effect on the daily spending habits of residents. As of Jan. 1, Kansas merchants can legally add a surcharge of up to 4 percent on credit card transactions, as long as clear notice is provided to the customer before the sale. According to a news release from District Attorney Marc Bennett’s office, K.S.A. 16a-2-403 has been amended to allow any person or retailer offering sales, services or lease transactions to impose a surcharge on credit card payments as long as the amount of the surcharge is disclosed through a “clear and conspicuous notice to the customer at the point of entry or the point of sale and in advance of such transaction.” Before this change in the law, Kansas had what amounted to a ban
See Changes, page 6
Luella Lagsbon shares a moment with Jax, a therapy dog owned by Kathy Jewett (standing).
Butler County: (316) 775-0500 or 1-800-279-3655 Harvey County: (316) 284-6880 or 1-800-279-3655