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From culture to couture
Hazel Stabler prepares for Paris Fashion Week
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The Active Age To say that Wichitan Hazel Stabler, perhaps best known as a member of the Wichita school board, is currently experiencing some of the highest and lowest moments of her life is an understatement. First, a pinnacle of achievement for the fashion designer: She’s been invited to present a show at Paris Fashion Week. The Milan Fashion Week invited her, too, but she can afford only one trip. Naturally, the Paris show — a crowning achievement for any designer — has to be it. Stabler also received wonderful local recognition at a Wichita Art Museum event earlier this year. A particularly posh crowd marveled at the stunning outfit she wore, a creation that emcee Bonnie Bing explained that Stabler had whipped together in a mere hour the night before. Then there are the lows.
Stabler’s 46-year-old son, Derek Edmonds, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year. Then Stabler was diagnosed with lung and kidney cancer in May. As she was recovering from having half her lung removed in September, her husband, Hollis Stabler, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Hazel Stabler cared for her husband in the midst of her own recovery, but three weeks later, he died. “I’m still in shock,” said Stabler, who also is having a kidney removed in January. “It’s overwhelming . . . My doctor recommended I go to a counselor because I’m really having a hard time.” She’s got to start preparing for Paris, though, which is coming up next fall. If the show Stabler presented at New York Fashion Week in 2019 is See Couture, page 10
January 2024
Is Amtrak stop back on track for Wichita?
By Joe Stumpe Don’t schedule your trip just yet, but Amtrak passenger service appears closer to returning to Wichita for the first time since 1979. The Federal Railroad Administration announced last month that an Oklahoma City-to-Newton route has been included in its corridor development program, which is guiding expansion of passenger train service. The agency allocated $500,00 to be used studying the extension of the Amtrak Heartland Flyer passenger route north from Oklahoma City. Wichita, Newton and Arkansas City would have stops, along with several cities in northern Oklahoma. From Oklahoma City, the Heartland Flyer extends south to Fort Hazel Stabler
See Amtrak, page 7
Finding affordable senior housing no easy feat By Joe Stumpe After getting divorced in her mid 60s, Darlene Palsmeier was forced to look for a new home. She didn't like what she found, a least in terms of cost. With an annual income of $38,640, Palsmeier doesn’t consider herself well off. But when she began applying for apartments in government-subsidized senior living communities around the area, she discovered she was above the income limit for residents by almost $3,000. Needing a place “pretty quick,” she rented an apartment on Rock Road in east Wichita for $1,400 a month. That equals 43 percent of her monthly income, well above the 30 percent recommended by the government and most experts. “I didn’t have any idea this was going to happen at 66,” Palsmeier said.
“Now I’m going to be 68 in a couple of weeks.” Palsmeier’s income comes from Social Security and a pension from her former job at Cessna Aircraft. She said she knows “there are a lot of people who make a lot less than I make” but feels like there’s “nothing in the middle” range for people like herself. Her experience is not unusual for older residents seeking a new home, the large majority of whom are women. “We do get calls like that,” said Melissa Espinoza, resource center supervisor with Central Plains Area Agency on Aging. “We also get calls that they can’t afford any rents in the area any longer, or that the rent has Darlene Palsmeier struggled to increased from the previous year.” find affordable housing for herCPAAA lists about 125 self and Boomer, who's 16. developments in Sedgwick, Butler and Harvey County in its independent See Housing, page 6
Questions about services?
Central Plains Area Agency on Aging/Sedgwick County Department on Aging: 1-855-200-2372
Butler County: (316) 775-0500 or 1-800-279-3655 Harvey County: (316) 284-6880 or 1-800-279-3655
Page 2
the active age
Briefs Volunteers to count homeless United Way of the Plains is looking for 100 volunteers to help conduct the Wichita-Sedgwick County point-in-time homeless count on Jan. 25. It’s part of a national effort to estimate the number of Americans who don’t have safe and stable housing, data that is used in a variety of ways.
Those interested in volunteering can learn more on United Way’s volunteer website. Training will take place in early January, so volunteers are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. The deadline to volunteer is Friday, Jan. 5. The 2023 homeless count found 702 homeless people, compared to 690 the year before.
January 2024
Derby library annual meeting DERBY — Kansas State professor Mary Kohn will explore how language has changed in Kansas over the past century as part of the Derby Friends of the Library annual meeting. Kohn’s talk is entitled “You Say Tomato, I Say Tomahto” and is presented in partnership with Humanities Kansas. The free event in the library’s community room starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 with a brief business meeting. Ethics conference set The 11th annual Kansas Healthcare Ethics Conference is scheduled for Feb. 29 at WSU Tech, 4004 N. Webb Road. The agenda, profiles of scheduled speakers and registration information may be found at wichitamedicalresearch.org.
Shocker watch parties on tap Since everyone can’t fly off to see the Wichita State Shockers play basketball, Wichita Eisenhower National Airport is sponsoring watch parties for the games here — and giving airport parking certificates as a door prize. The final watch party will also feature a drawing for 50,000 American Airline miles. The free watch parties are being held at Social Tap, located on the WSU campus, for these games: KU, Saturday, 3 p.m. Dec. 30; Florida Atlantic, Thursday, 6 p.m. Jan. 18; Tulsa, Wednesday, 6 p.m. Jan. 31; Memphis, Saturday, 12 p.m. Feb. 3; UAB, Wednesday, 7 p.m. Feb. 28; and Tulane, Friday, 8 p.m. March 8.
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January 2024
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Page 3
Recovery and a reminder to get those mammograms
By Vicki Schmidt Last year, I shared with Kansans that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I also shared that I expected to make a full recovery. Following surgery and several radiation treatments, I am thrilled to share that I am now cancer free. However, I must say I do not think I will ever fully recover from this experience. I think that is why they call them cancer survivors. Sharing the news I had cancer, was an experience in and of itself. Cancer is a difficult personal experience for everyone, and I was not completely comfortable with the idea of being the political gossip of the day. But I wanted something good to come from it.
While reluctant, I shared it anyway. Once I saw it made national news, I knew sharing my story was the right thing to do for breast cancer awareness. I hope it will serve as a reminder to everyone to schedule their yearly mammogram. Mine was lifesaving. I would, once again, like to thank the University of Kansas Cancer Center for the world-class care I received. We are blessed to have such a wonderful facility here at home. No one can accurately prepare you for a battle with cancer, though I was inspired by the stories people would share with me about their own battles. Kansans have long served as my extended family and during my battle they lived up to the kind,
compassionate and supportive nature we are known for in the Midwest. I have never felt more loved. I have never been prouder to be a Kansan. And I have never been more thankful to have my husband, Mike, by my side. This journey has taught me a lot about the fight it takes it takes to navigate a serious health situation, the compassion needed to guide people through it and the headaches insurance can sometimes add to an already difficult situation. Kansans have had my back, and I have a renewed fight for the work done at the Kansas Insurance Department. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt and her husband, Mike, grew up in Wichita and graduated from
Vicki Schmidt South High. They now live in Topeka.
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January 2024
Active Age excited for 2024
By Sharon Van Horn I am delighted to have been elected president of The Active Age’s board of directors for 2024. We have a dedicated group of officers: Susan Armstrong is the Sharon Van new vice president, Horn and Diana Wolfe is continuing as treasurer. We are so appreciative of Tim Marlar’s leadership as president during the last two years and happy that he is staying on the board. We are all excited to help lead this organization. We are proud of the editorial content that is delivered each month on topics pertinent to all of us who are over 55. The stories of the achievers in our generation are truly inspiring. The Active Age is the largest print publication in Kansas, with about 57,000 papers distributed each month. When pass-along readership is figured in, that means it’s seen by
Dear Reader around 100,000 people each month. It is a great advertising opportunity for businesses, so please give us a call if you want to reach a huge pool of potential customers. None of this would be possible without you, our loyal readers. Your financial contributions each year are truly a blessing. Look at our “thermometer” on page 5. It is over the top for 2023! We appreciate your feedback in the form of letters, emails and phone calls and your participation in the contests we run during the year (like this month’s drawing for tickets to the Johnny Cash tribute show). We have some exciting new plans for 2024, so keep reading. From the board of directors and staff, we hope your holiday season was a happy one and the new year is filled with good health, joy, peace and prosperity. Sharon Van Horn can be reached at sharon@vanhorninc.net.
Going paperless?
A free digital copy of The Active Age is now available. The digital copy can be “flipped through” like a regular newspaper and the type can be enlarged on your phone or computer. To have the digital version emailed to you each month, call (316) 942-5384 or email joe@theactiveage.com.
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January 2024
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Page 5
Thank You Recent Donors! Carmen Anderson Don Anderson Kay Anderson Douglas Angell Bob Atkins Nancy Bacon Ruth Barber Brian Beattie Kay Beauchesne Sharon Becker Carrie Benjamin Mary Berg Anne Bilson Susan Bishop Mary Blanchat Mark Blasi Barbara Boeken Susan Boyle Janice Brecht Nancy Breth Nadine Bruner Gail Burger Virginia Carpenter Robert Carroll Janis Chase Francis Chenoweth
Judith Chrisinger Janice Church Patricia Ciotti Karen Clothier Bruce Cloyd Ardie Condon JoLee Cooley Sherry Cowdin Janneane Cruse Barbara Dankert Margaret Davis Scott Davis Muriel Delcampo Robert Delk Feronia Dennison Carol Denny Linda Destasio Marcella Diller Helen Duerksen Waneta Dunn Cathryn Dye Debra Eaton Jane Elder Linda Ellis William Ewert Barbara Farrell
Gretchen Fox Jay Fritz Sonja Froggfatte Betty Frost Jose Garcia Janice Garten Wanda Gavin Sam Gee Norma Gehring Alvin Gerstenkorn Tom Gibson Marc Gimple Darlene Gleason Paul Goertz Wanda Goldwater Larue Gorychka Greg Greer Barbara Grimes Larry Gunknel Terry Hackler Lela Haggard Allen Hale Phyllis Harmon Donna Harris Jerry Haug Patricia Heidebrecht
Janice Hoop Jane Hoyt Karen Hulse Nola Ingram Keith Irvin Bobbie Jaax Ruth Jackson Betty Johnson Jay Jones Susan Kempf Sheila Kester Mary King Bert Kirkpatrick Cheryl Knoblauch Anna Kostecki Susan Laforge Betsy Latta Pat Lehman Della Leis Joann Leis Jeanette Lewis Norma Lewis Rohanne Limon Lorna Long Rosa Lopez Darlene Lowther
Valeta Lyons Donald Mahanay Timothy Marlar Pauline Martin Adell Martindale Janice Mcauley Debra McClure Ronald McCulley Linda Mcculloch Eula Mcfarland Robert Mckedy Judy Melroy Jane Merth Jim Miller Josephine Morz Don Myers Margaret Naylor Donald Neff Trinh Nguyen Harvey Oberdick John Oroke Dwight Oxley Phyllis Panizzi Marjorie Patterson Fred Pavey Bernice Pearson
2023 Goal
Anetta Pfannenstiel Loretta Phares Don Phillips Arthur Porter Sandra Radcliff Evelyn Rayson David Reagan James Ream Chester Resko Vina Reyes-Otero Deane Richardson Deborah Rieb Darlene Roatch Phyllis Robernson Judith Roberts Darlene Rozar Teresa Rupp Donna Sanders Robert Schaller Joan Scheer Roger Schlechte Dorothy Schultz Jerrold Sheffler Ralph Shepherd Irvin Smith Vickie Springob
Arthur Stack Cora Stauffer Trudy Strunk Donna Swenson Fonda Tamage Terri Tasker Stephen Taylor Dorothy Thimmesch Daniel Thompson Ruby Tobey Carol Underwood Sharon Van Horn Ronald Vaughters Grace Vickers Inez Vohs Sharon Ward Maki Watson Jerome Weninger Phyllis Wessel Dale Widiger Manly Williams Jerry Wilson Norma Wilson Susan Wirths Freda Wood Alice Woolridge Melinda Wooten
Paul Pendleton Ada Rita Peransi Phyllis Pray Bernita Rempe Lue Reynold Colleen Rogers Barbara Roths Larry Salts Karen Schierling Irma Mae Schutt Sean Seamster Patricia Sheets Karen Shideler
Russell Slater Beverly Smith Helen Smith Lee Starkel Madelyn Stewart Edwin Tennissen Allen Thimmesch Pamela Tilson Pamela Walline Douglas Webb Paul Weigand Hal Welch Allen Winfrey Diana Wolfe
Honor Roll of Donors Douglas Aldrich David Anders Joan Ashworth Gerald Bain David Barbosa Richard Belin Paul Beugelsdijk Rhonda Bevilacqua Terry Blair Kenneth Boone William Brown Mildred Burgett Patricia Callaway-
Engelken Jerry Carpenter Keith Claycomb Rebecca Collier Sponsel Construction Mary Corrigan Jeffrey Cullop Virginia Dean Peggy Dilsaver-Custer Vee Duncan Georgia Eakins Violet Fahler Kay Flock
Daniel Franks Joan Friend Marilyn Galvan Mark Gordon Dolores Granger Annette Grattan Teresa Greenman Diane Griffin Allen Hale Marlene Harvey Jack Hensley Anna Hess Kay Hilger
Perry Hodge Sally Hoofer Peter Janzen Linda Jesseph Karen Jones Janet Joyce Mary Ann Kerr Nancy Ketterman Sherryle Kinder Frances Kottler Pat Lacy Randy Landis Dan Linn
John Long John Lysell Janet Marsh Janet Marshall Vincent Marshall Lois Mckee Paul McKenzie Ronald Meyer Joseph Miller Carolyn Morris G. O'Connor Kent Owens Diana Peak
$112,867 $100,000
$0
2024 Goal $100,000
$0
These readers recently contributed $50 or more to the 2023 donation campaign.
Donate for chance to win Botanica family membership Donate at least $50 to The Active Age, and you could win a family membership to Botanica. The Active Age holds a drawing for a family
membership each month from among people on our “Honor Roll” list of donors. This month's winner is Paul
Weigand. Donations may be made by calling 316-942-5385; through our website, theactiveage.com; by
mail to The Active Age, 125 S. West St., Suite 105, Wichita, KS, 67213; or in person.
125 S. West St., Ste 105 • Wichita, KS 67213 316-942-5385 • Fax 316-946-9180 www.theactiveage.com Published by Active Aging Publishing, Inc.
The Active Age, published the first of each month, is distributed in Butler, Harvey and Sedgwick counties. To subscribe, call 316-942-5385, write The Active Age or visit theactiveage. com.
Editor: Joe Stumpe
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Advertising Manager: Teresa Schmied
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Business Manager: Tammara Fogle
Board of Directors
tammara@theactiveage.com
President: Sharon Van Horn Vice President: Susan Armstrong • Treasurer: Diana Wolfe Board Members: Mary Corrigan • Al Higdon • Jennifer Lasley Tim Marlar • Linda Matney • Patti Sullivan • Tiya Tonn
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Page 6
the active age
Housing
From Page 1 living housing directory, which can be viewed at visit cpaaa.org. They range from traditional apartments to communities offering dining plans and other services. Listed prices range up to $3,770 per month. “There are a lot of nice properties out there that are coming on the market, but they’re not affordable for the vast majority of the senior population,” said Debbie Martin, who manages senior communities for Homestead Affordable Housing, a nonprofit with 13 developments totaling 550 apartments in Kansas. The rental housing squeeze also affects many who would qualify for a subsidized apartment based on income. “We have waiting lists at all of our properties,” said Tom Bishop, Homestead’s executive director. “Our waiting list at (Homestead) Bel Aire, before we started, was 160,” Bishop said, referring to Homestead’s newest development. It has 36 units.
Across Kansas, there are more than 500 rental housing developments that have been subsidized in some fashion by the government. As Bishop said, their operation is “a bit complex” because of government regulations. Most occupants must have no more than 60 percent of the area median income, which is set by the federal government each year. In the Wichita metropolitan area, which includes Sedgwick, Butler and Harvey counties, that figure is now $35,760. However, some developments contain a small number of units that are not subsidized and that rent at a higher, market rate. For instance, at Homestead of Derby, 64 units are subsidized and 12 are not. Palsmeier first tried to find an apartment at Central Landing, which is owned by Central Community Church, but was told there was a long waiting list. She “got on a bunch of waiting lists” and also tried Homestead Bel Aire, which is where she learned her income was too high for a subsidized unit. She said she almost regretted
going to work at Cessna. “I begged to go to work at Cessna just because I needed a job with a pension,” she said. “That $833 (per month) is now hurting me.” However, she recently got word that she will be able to move into an unsubsidized unit in Homestead’s development in Haysville, which is called Main Street Place, where she’ll pay $599 per month in rent. “They’re old, they were built over 20 years ago, but at least it’s a senior community,” she said. She eventually hopes to move to the Bel Aire development. “Since I’m trying to get to somewhere I can stay the rest of my life, that’s what my goal is,” she said. She credits Martin, the Homestead manager, with helping her find a place after nearly a year of looking. Martin said Palsmeier’s financial situation is better than many potential tenants she works with, who may have monthly Social Security benefits of only about $1,300. “It’s very eye opening when you get into this to see, really, how low the
January 2024
How’s your housing? The Active Age and other members of the Wichita Journalism Collaborative are focusing attention on safe, affordable housing as a critical issue in the Wichita area. Do you have a story, good or bad, about housing that you’d like to share? If so, contact Joe Stumpe at (316) 942-5385 or joe@theactiveage.com. For more coverage of housing issues, visit wichitajournalism.org.
incomes are and knowing that if we didn’t have these programs available you would have a lot of more homeless elderly people.” When she can’t find a new home for an applicant, she advises persistence. “We just tell them to get on as many wait lists as possible, to apply wherever we have affordable housing or senior housing," Martin said. "I try to direct them to other properties and other companies that have affordable housing as well. They may have something arise quicker than I will.”
Habitat repair program gave her home new life By Joe Stumpe PARK CITY — Karen Corbin hates to think what would have happened if she hadn’t heard about Habitat for Humanity’s home repair program. “My home was bad — really bad.” Her house, built in the 1940s, suffered from what she called “severe issues.” “I will tell you that because so much of the siding was rotten and my windows leaked, and my front door leaked, I think I would have ended up with black mold, and I probably would have had a lot of trouble.” Corbin has a degenerative disc disease and walks with a cane. She lives on a small disability check and had no way to pay for the needed work herself. Habitat, best known for building new homes for people with the help of volunteers, started running a home rehabilitation program in 2020. Last year, the program helped about 30 homeowners such as Corbin. It received applications from about ten times that many.
The program is designed to help people stay in their homes in a safe fashion. It replaces or repairs roofs, gutter and siding, exterior doors and windows, plumbing, electrical and HVAC units. Accessibility modifications and tree hazard removal are also offered. “It’s anything causing damages to your home right now — your siding, paint, doors, windows, if your porch is falling down,” said Heather McCoy, Habitat’s home repair coordinator. “We want to make sure your home is accessible and that you’re safe, dry and warm.” Interior repairs are also focused on “things causing damage right now, (like) electrical not up to code,” McCoy said. The program doesn’t do large structural repairs or cosmetic work, and some applications are turned down because the homes are considered unsalvageable. Most repairs are capped at $25,000 and the average is about $15,000. Program participants who make less than 35 percent of the area
taking financial literacy classes. Habitat hopes to grow the home repair program. Despite the obvious demand for it, Corbin said she knows of no similar programs. The South Central Kansas Economic Development District offers a home weatherization program for eligible families that covers things such as insulation and weatherstripping, she noted. Corbin called herself “beyond Karen Corbin feels "beyond blessed to have had (Habitat) help me.” blessed" by Habitat for HumaniWorkers replaced her siding and ty's home repair program. painted it the color of her choice. They median income (which is currently replaced gutters and three window $20,860) pay a fee of $150. Those who screens that were torn. They replaced make more than that pay for a portion her front door and its frame, installed a of the repairs on a sliding scale. Zero deadbolt and motion detection lights. interest loans, installment plans and “I’ve lived in this house and never had grants are available. The homes must dead bolts on the door,” she said. be owner-occupied and the applicant It’s rained several times since the current on mortgage payments, repairs were completed and Corbin has property taxes and utilities. watched with satisfaction as the interior As with Habitat’s new home of her home remained completely dry. program, participants are asked to “It’s amazing,” she said. “Every time contribute at least four hours of “sweat I come home and see my house, it’s like equity.” Because of her disability, having a new house.” Corbin satisfied that requirement by
To learn more
Visit wichitahabitat.org or call (316) 269-0755. The photos at left show beforeand-after photos of a home renovated through Habitat for Humanity’s home repair program. Before
After www.theactiveage.com
January 2024
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Amtrak From Page 1
Worth, where there are connections available to Dallas and San Antonio via the Texas Eagle. In Newton it would connect with the Southwest Chief, which runs to Los Angeles, Kansas City and Chicago. Returning passenger train service to Wichita has been under study for decades. A similar expansion plan failed for lack of funding in 2011, but local business leaders and elected officials from Wichita to Washington, D.C., seem convinced that it will happen this time. The city last had passenger service in 1979, when Amtrak closed its Chicago-toHouston line, known as the Lone Star. “Getting the Federal Rail Administration’s blessing to move forward with our service plan for passenger rail from Newton to Oklahoma City and beyond is promising,” said state Sen. Carolyn McGinn, who represents parts of Sedgwick and Harvey counties. John Rolfe, president and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, called it “a monumental step forward in making this project a reality,” and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said he was “pleased to see the first step in
Page 7
“We hope that 2029 date can be compressed.” — Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner on the proposed opening date for an Oklahoma City-to-Newton passenger train route.
airports in Wichita and Oklahoma City, spur economic development and tourism and reduce pollution, the study said. One-way tickets woud probably be priced around $50 or less. The FRA’s corridor development plan was part of the bipartisan, $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by President Biden in 2021. There’s sure to be competition for the funds, as the first round of corridor development has identified nearly 70 routes for expansion or improvement.
and arrival in Oklahoma City at 8:20 a.m. The return route would depart Oklahoma City at 9:49 p.m., arriving at Wichita at 12:52 a.m. and Newton 30 minutes later. According to a Kansas Department of Transportation study released last year, the 206-mile route could be operating by 2029 or even sooner if funding is fast-tracked. Proposed Heartland Flyer Service Schedule In 2020, the project was estimated to cost about $124 million for modifications to the existing BNSF tracks, station improvements and rolling stock. Funds would come from a The Heartland Flyer route would combination of federal be extended from Oklahoma City and state sources. to Newton, connecting to the eastThe KDOT study west Southwest Chief route. projects that the train would be more likely this corridor progress.” Under current plans, the Heartland used by college students and people over 65 and Flyer would run one daily round trip also prove attractive from Newton to Oklahoma City. The proposed schedule has the train leaving for low-income households and people Newton at 4:20 a.m. in the morning, with disabilities. The with a stop in Wichita at 4:42 a.m. route would provide communities along the route better access to Proposed Heartland Flyer Extention
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January 2024
Making mole hills out of mountains in Teterville
By Ted Blankenship Recently, Dorothy and I went to dinner with friends. I was fascinated by the car we rode in. It wasn’t “your father’s car” but rather a luxury conveyance with a dashboard of lights resembling the Aurora Borealis. It reminded me of how much automobiles have changed over the years. When I was six years old we lived in a tiny oil-field shack about a mile west and a mile south of Teterville. If you haven’t heard of Teterville, it’s about 30 miles northwest of Eureka in the Flint Hills. It’s only fame now centers on Teter Rock, a nearby tourist attraction.
Look it up on the internet, and it’s called a ghost town. But, in the 1930s and 1940s, it was a thriving community of mostly oil field folks. There was an ice house, grocery store and post office, two or three schools and best of all, Teter Hill. It was more like a mountain than a hill. Cars of the day labored to get to its summit. A wooden post fence with heavy cable snaking through it lined the road’s outside edge to keep cars from slipping into the valley below. Teter Hill was so fascinating to me in my childhood that I wanted
my three kids to see it. So one day in the 1970s, we drove to Eureka and northwest to Teterville. We passed where the grocery store had been. The school that once stood across the road was gone. We drove by where the school had been. But from there, the road that should have taken us down the hill was gone, replaced by a level grade. The kids weren’t impressed, so I drove to the two-room Scott School nearby which I had attended from 1934 to 1937. Only the storm cellar with its peeling green paint remained. Recently, I flew over Teterville with a friend and we could still see where the road up the hill had been. Even the outline of the posts holding
January quiz: Thanks for the memories By Nancy Wheeler Can you identify these actors, singers and sports figures who shared their talents with us before passing away in 2023? The answers appear below. 1. What basketball coach led the Indiana Hoosiers to three national championships before moving to Texas Tech? 2. What daugther of a "king" released her debut album, To Whom It May Concern, before suffering a
suspected cardiac arrest at age 54? 3. What actress starred opposite Penny Marshall as Laverne in a popular spinoff of "Happy Days"? 4. Who was considered one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, composing hundreds of pop songs including “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”? 5. What American model and actress became an international sex symbol during the 1960s for her appearance in both "Fantastic Voyage"
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and "One Million Years B.C."? 6. Known as the Queen of Rock and Roll, who became a global rock superstar with songs like “What’s Love Got to Do with It”? 7. What controversial religious television personality and "700 Club" host co-founded the Christian Coalition? 8. What velvet-voiced crooner had a string of popular hits in the mid1950s including his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”? 9. What animal rights advocate and television personality hosted the longest-running game show before turning the reins over to Drew Carey? 10. What American musician and singer-songwriter was best known for his tropical rock music including “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” and “Margaritaville”? 11. What fierce and famous linebacker for the Chicago Bears went
the cable were faintly visible. Faded signs of what once flourished were now visible only from on high. In my mind’s eye I saw cars struggling up the hill and recalled how my grandfather always gave me the sack of candy he got when he paid the monthly bill at the Teterville Grocery. And then we flew home. Ted Blankenship began writing “It’s Not Serious” in 1957 for the Hutchinson News. It later appeared in the Coffeyville Journal, Wichita Beacon, Wichita Eagle, Kansas Business News Magazine and The Kansas Times before moving to The Active Age in 1990. Ted can be reached at tblankenship218@gmail.com. on to become a fixture in footballthemed films and commercials? 12. Whose big break came when she landed the role of Chrissy Snow on the ABC sitcom "Three’s Company"? 13. Who entertained us for many years in his role as Chandler Bing on the television sitcom "Friends"? Answers:
1. Bobby Knight 2. Lisa Marie Presley 3. Cindy Williams 4. Burt Bacharach 5. Raquel Welch 6. Tina Turner 7. Pat Robertson 8. Tony Bennett 9. Bob Barker 10. Jimmy Buffett 11. Dick Butkus 12. Suzanne Somers 13. Matthew Perry
Page 8
Nancy Wheeler has been creating quizzes for The Active Age since 2020.
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Historic Old Mill bustling again By Joe Stumpe NEWTON — Harvey County residents were buzzing about the opening of a steakhouse in the Old Mill last month, and not just because they were hankering for a hunk of red meat. The Old Mill itself plays a key role in this area’s history. Local businessman D. Hamill built the stone and brick structure as the Monarch Mill in 1881. He sold it five years later to Bernhard Warkentin, who renamed it the Newton Milling Co. Warkentin significantly upgraded the mill, replacing its millstones with the kind of steel rollers that had been developed in Minnesota. That allowed the mill to grind the hard winter wheat that was then becoming popular with Kansas farmers for its higher protein content (yielding more flour) and ability to withstand winter temperatures. Kansas folklore holds that Mennonite farmers immigrating here from the Crimea region of the Ukraine in the 1880s brought the wheat with them in sacks and crocks to plant in their new home, which resembled their old one in climate. But historians call that scenario unlikely. Instead, they
The Old Mill helped turn Kansas into the "breadbasket of the world" by grinding hard winter wheat. credit Warkentin, whose family was in the milling business in the Ukraine, and other agricultural entrepreneurs with promoting the spread of hard winter wheat. Warkentin twice arranged for the large-scale importation of seed wheat from the Ukraine, according to the Kansas Historical Society. He was also a key figure in encouraging Mennonites to come here so that they could plant it. Warkentin was an agent of the Mennonite Board of Guardians, formed to aid those immigrants, and worked with the Atchison, Topeka & Sante Fe railroad, which both transported the
immigrants and sold them farm land. By whatever means the hard winter wheat variety actually got here, Warkentin and his Newton Milling Co. made the most of it. “Soon his ‘Cream of Kansas’ flour was being produced by several mills and sold nationally,” Norman E. Saul wrote in “Myth and History: Turkey Red Wheat and the ‘Kansas miracle,’ which appeared in the Kansas Historical Quarterly. “By 1888 he had broken into the European market.” The Queen Bee Mill and Pearl Milling Company in McPherson and the Smoky Valley Roller Mills in Lindsborg soon followed suit. Saul noted that the mills “replaced stockyards as the economic backbones of small Kansas towns.” From 1917 to 1927, thanks to hard winter wheat, Kansas produced about one-seventh of the world’s wheat each year and became known as the “breadbasket of the world.” Warkentin was involved in numerous other businesses and organizations, including the Kansas State Bank of Newton, Halstead State Bank, Millers’ National Insurance Company in Chicago, Bethel College
Bernhard Warkentin and the Mennonite Mutual Fire Insurance Company, according to the KHS. He died in a freak accident in 1908 when, while traveling by train between Damascus and Beirut, a pistol fired in an adjoining compartment by the grandson of the emir of Algeria struck him. The Queen Ann-style Warkentin House, built by Warkentin and his wife at 211 E. First St. in Newton, is today a museum and venue. The mill had fallen into disrepair by the late 1960s and demolition had actually begun on it early the next decade when businessman Lloyd Smith and his wife, Jackie, bought the building. The couple restored the building, which has housed many businesses since then. The new steakhouse, Cadillac Jack’s, is the latest to call this local landmark home.
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any indication, it could help her take a step toward healing. She said it was a memorable moment “because it told a story.” Stabler is American Indian. She is a member of the Yaqui and Ojibwe tribes. Both of her parents’ families came to Kansas to work on the railroads. The show required a lot of thought, she said. “I knew I had one chance to be able to create a narrative of who I was and where I’m coming from.” For the show, her husband modeled a traditional men’s buckskin outfit. Her three daughters dressed in traditional Wichita tribe clothing, which included red buckskin, elk teeth and Stabler’s hand print as a statement about missing and murdered indigenous women. Stabler’s heritage is especially important to her, and she said her fashion is an expression of that. “It’s enabled me to share my culture through fashion and bring awareness to my culture . . . in a good way and in a true way.”
Hazel Stabler works in her home studio.
the active age She said she’s hardly the only American Indian doing that. “Actually, our culture’s rich,” she said. “We have a lot of great artists and designers. . . . I kind of take it to the next level to what I’d say is couture.” ‘The hard way’ Stabler, who has always been interested in clothing, received a degree in apparel design and fashion merchandising at the University of Louisiana. Stabler has five children (four with her first husband, from whom she’s divorced, and one with her second husband, who died in a plane crash almost 20 years ago). She began sewing Native outfits because of her children. “I grew up knowing about my culture, going to powwows (and) traditional ceremonies, and so I raised my kids the same way.” She drafts her own patterns, paying particular attention to the comfort level of the garments. Stabler works from her two-story home on North Market Street, the Edward M. Kelly historic house that she calls a “mini White House.” In the basement, she has a cutting table and fabric, but she does her sewing in a renovated — and messy — bedroom on the second floor. Every scrap that falls to the floor stays there until her project is complete, just in case she needs it. “I’ve learned the hard way.” ‘A long shot’ When Stabler submitted work to the New York Fashion Show, she said she didn’t tell anyone, including her husband. “I thought it was a long shot.” She got in, and that’s how she ended up being invited to Paris and Milan, but various things conspired
January 2024
to keep her from going, including the pandemic. Stabler said she is determined to make it to Paris in 2024, despite everything. “It’s on my bucket list,” she said. “If I can do that now, I really feel like I’ve done everything I want to do professionally, I guess.” It’s quite a leap from her first fashion show in the 1980s. For a conference at Harvard University for women who held prominent positions in tribal nations, she was invited to come and show her work. “I was like, ‘A fashion show? I’m not a fashion designer.’ ” She started getting invited to festivals and conferences and pageants. Stabler has lived all over the United States, including Louisiana where she had a retail store, Bayou Stitching. She and her husband were retired when she started getting involved at Pleasant Valley Middle School in several different roles. Hollis Stabler suggested she run for the school board, and she finally decided that’s what she wanted to do. Though she came in with a wave of conservative board members, Stabler said that wasn’t by design, and that wasn’t her decision. She said it’s a nonpartisan position, and “it’s real important to me that I keep it that way.” “I do make decisions based on what I think is right for students.” She said the board is a steward of a lot of money. “We have almost a billion-dollar budget.” Stabler added that each member is different. “We don’t think exactly the same, and we don’t agree on everything.” She said she tries to do a lot in the
Hazel Stabler's daughter, Taywanee Hebert, models one of her designs ton he cover of a fashion magazine. district and be visible and transparent. Stabler said she wants to create trust with people “so they know that my intentions are for the betterment.” There are lots of other things she’s involved with as well, such as Designing Women at Mark Arts, the Wichita Grand Opera board, the Sedgwick County Mental Health Advisory Board and Botanica. That along with 30 to 40 hours a week of work for the school board means she has to sew early in the morning or late at night. “Sometimes I get up in the middle of the night and work.” Stabler, 66, also walks daily, and she said her doctor told her that’s what’s helping her rebound from cancer. She doesn’t need radiation or chemotherapy at this point. Even though she has at least one more surgery to go, Stabler said she hopes to be cancer free after that. “I’m looking forward to being healthy and moving forward.”
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January 2024
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Did you know the Kansas Oil Museum has events for the whole family? January 6 ~ Family Fun Day - Free for members or Museum Admission $2 10-1:00 p.m. January 11 ~ Thursday Speaker Jeff Bills “One Room School Houses in Greenwood County” noon - 1:00 p.m. Refreshments provided. Free for members or Museum Admission $5 January 13 ~ Volunteer Fair for those interested in learning about volunteer opportunities at the Museum - 10:00 a.m. January 19-21 “A Moment in Time” Scrapbook/Craft Retreat. Reservations required
FUN CLASSES & DAY TRIPS FOR ALL AGES & INTERESTS BEGINNING BRIDGE
Wednesdays, Feb. 7 - April 10 | 6:30-9p | WSU Metropolitan Complex
Learn the basic mechanics of how to bid and play bridge in guidance with the American Contract Bridge League rules and play this fascinating and captivating card game right away.
YOGA FOR ACTIVE SENIORS
Join us on Wednesday morning for Coffee Skate 9:30-11:45 a.m $5.00 includes coffee & donut ~Ages 18+ Public Skate Monday-Wednesday ~ 12-3 p.m Thursday 12-4 p.m. Friday - 1-4 p.m.
Mondays, Feb. 5 - March 8 | 6:30-7:30p | WSU Metropolitan Complex
Yoga for active seniors is an exploration of movement utilizing a combination of seated and standing postures. This class will emphasize foundational poses that help with stability and mobility.
T’AI CHI
Wednesdays, Feb. 21 - March 27 | 6:30-8p | WSU Metropolitan Complex
Experience peace and relaxation as you learn the art of T’ai Chi! T’ai Chi is a purposeful and flowing, slow-motion choreography based on martial arts movement T’ai Chi Ch’uan.
Check out www.wichitaicecenter.com for schedules, birthday parties, learn to skate classes & Youth & Adult Hockey
PICKLEBALL 101
Tuesdays, April 2 - 16 | 6-8p | WSU Heskett Center
Whether you’re playing doubles or singles, Pickleball caters to all ages and skill levels, making it an enjoyable activity for everyone. Join us and experience the thrill of Pickleball today!
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January 2024
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Exercise your right to a healthy lifestyle By Monica Cissell We made it through the holiday season, and for many of us that meant indulging in heavy comfort foods, tasty baked goods and a few more libations and holiday cheer than usual. The cold weather may have been keeping us indoors and less motivated to exercise. January is the time to get our diet and exercise routine back on track. There are some simple steps to eating smart and sticking to regularly scheduled physical activity. Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods or cutting out snacks all together. But try smart swaps that replace some not-so-healthy ingredients with more beneficial ones. Verywellfit.com and the American
Diabetes Association suggest these swaps: • Bake with apple sauce or pureed fruit instead of oil and butter, at a 1:1 ratio. Great in muffins and quick breads. • Use evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream in recipes. • Choose olive oil or avocado oil to pan fry or sauté foods instead of butter. • Add sparkling water to juice, soda or wine to decrease the sugar content. • Use spices to enhance flavor and decrease salt content in dishes — such as cumin, chili powder and oregano in Mexican food. • Buy whole-grain versions of bread, pasta, hot cereal, pizza dough and other products.
• Work in 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Add sweet potato to chili, use a cauliflower pizza crust, spread avocado on toast instead of butter. You can find many more swaps in cooking online. To make exercise a part of your daily routine: • Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity each day. If you’re short on time, try exercising in chunks of 15 minutes two times a day. • If you’re running errands, walk the perimeter of the store or park further out in the parking lot. • Schedule your walk or other activity as you would an appointment or meeting. Or just check off exercise first thing in the morning. Walk in
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place in your living room while you watch your morning news or meet a friend in the morning for a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Central Plains Area Agency on Aging offers several wellness programs led by Joe Samamigo: • Strength and Stability Exercise Class, 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Downtown Senior Center. • Tai Ji Quan for Better Balance – 2024 schedule to be announced. • National/Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program — 2024 schedule to be announced. CPAAA is here to help and wishes you a happy and healthy New Year. Monica Cissell is director of information and community services for Central Plains Area Agency on Aging.
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January 2024
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The Active Age is holding a drawing to give away three pairs of tickets to “Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience” at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday, Feb. 9. The show features video from the Johnny Cash TV show projected above the stage, accompanied by a live band. The band’s singers also perform versions of some Cash songs. To enter our drawing, visit theactiveage.com and fill out the form at the top of the page. You can also send the form below to The Active Age, 125 S. West St., Suite 105, Wichita, KS, 67213. Entries must be received by Jan. 15. Name: Address: Phone number and/or email address:
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January 2024
January Theatre By Diana Morton Forum Theatre, at the Wilke Center, 1st United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway. Words & Music Tribute Concert Series presents Here’s Little Richard. Little Richard laid the foundation for rock and roll with his music and charismatic showmanship and is also credited for changing American culture and bridging its racial divide. Songs include Tutti Fruitti, Long Tall Sally and Lucille. 8 pm Jan 13-14. Tickets $23-$25. 316618-0444 Roxy’s Downtown, 412 E. Douglas, cabaret-style theatre. The Legend of Georgia McBride. He’s young, he’s broke, his landlord’s knocking at the
the active age door, and he’s just found out his wife is going to have a baby. To make matters even worse, Casey is fired from his gig as an Elvis impersonator in a rundown, small-town Florida bar. When the bar owner brings in a B-level drag show to replace his act, Casey finds that he has a whole lot to learn about show business — and himself. “A stitch in your side funny comedy,” said Charles Isherwood of The New York Times. 2 pm and 8 pm Thu-Sat, Jan 12-Feb 3. 316-265-4400
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aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him. Classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison — family. 8 pm Thu-Sat, 7 pm Sun, Jan 25-Feb 4. Tickets $14-18. 316-686-1282 Diana Morton has contributed theatre notes to The Active Age since 2016. Contact her at dianamorton12@sbcglobal. net.
Receiving duplicate copies?
Is your home receiving more than one copy of The Active Age? If so, please let us know by calling (316) 942-5385 or emailing joe@ theactiveage.com. Every duplicate copy that we can eliminate will save us on printing and postage costs.
Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain. Arsenic and Old Lace. Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when hediscovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women
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the active age
January 2024
Cooking club members happily answer to ‘wench’ A Wichita cooking club seems to have discovered the secret to longevity: spread the work around and don’t take themselves too seriously. The Wichita Wenches Cooking Club first got together in 2002 at the suggestion of Betty Palmer. “I like to cook,” Palmer said. “I have a lot of good friends. We were sitting having a drink one evening, and I asked everybody if they were interested in starting a cooking club.” The group meets monthly, usually on the first Sunday. Currently, there are
12 members, each of whom hosts one dinner per year. “It’s a great group. When we started out, there were only five of us. Now there are actually 13. But one of our members, she’s only here once or twice a year now.” The hostess develops the menu, prepares the main dish and assigns other recipes to club members who are attending. Leaving all the cooking to the hostess “would be too much for anyone to do,” Palmer said.
Some hosts stick with a theme, others mix and match cuisines. Once, a member’s daughter-in-law who is from Thailand made the meal. “We’ve had a lot of different kinds of foods,” Palmer said. “Every time we get together it’s fun.” The club’s first menu featured margaritas, a tapenade pork loin, crab-stuffed mushrooms, risotto, berries and ice cream. Palmer brought back the pork loin for the club's 20th anniversary dinner. Their recent menu (see recipes on the next two pages) Members of the Wichita Wenches Cooking Club, from followed a holiday the top, are LewJene Schneider, Deb Voth, Stephanie theme. Skaggs, Karen Weber, Judy Marek, Becky Miranda, Palmer said the guest Erica Combs, Betty Graham, Maunie Stillwell, women enjoy each Sid Sproul, Nancy Lawrence and Laurel Alkire. other’s company as Not present are Mary Jones and Marcine Woodcox. much as the food. “This is a fabulous group of women who are very supportive of each other and are there when a member is in need.” As for that name, Palmer said her daughter suggested it. “At one point, some of the newer Complete Direct Cremation $875 Traditional Services Starting at $2940
ones didn’t think that was very nice,” Palmer said. “But it’s just kind of a funny thing.” See recipes next 2 pages
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January 2024
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TAPENADE PORK LOIN 3 to 4 lb. boneless pork loin Course salt and black pepper 4 strips bacon Butchers string Tapenade: 2 cups drained, pitted black olives (two 6- oz. cans) or 1½ cups pitted kalamata and/or oil cured olives 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons drained capers 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 1 teaspoon dried oregano Black pepper 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil To prepare tapenade, place the olives, garlic, capers, mustard and oregano in a food processor and process to a smooth paste. Add pepper to taste and the oil and process until well blended. Trim fat off loin and filet open lengthwise. Unfold the top of the roast and continue cutting until you have a broad rectangle that’s about 1/2 inch thick. Spread tapenade over pork and roll up. Wrap bacon strips around pork roll, and tie up roll with butcher’s string. Grill over indirect heat or bake in a 350-degee oven about 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. More recipes next page
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SPRING 2024
LIFELONGLEARNING
Wichita State University is offering six new 0.5 credit-hour (non-degree) courses that are FREE for students 60+ years old if enrolled by February 7, 2024. We are once again offering in-person and online options for participation. All classes will take place from 1-3 p.m. All in-person classes will be held at Wichita State University’s Metropolitan Complex located at 5015 E. 29th St. N., Wichita, KS 67220. If you choose the online option, you will receive a link via email each week to view the class on your device at your convenience.
The Storytelling Beneath the Screen: Film Composers Mondays, February 26, March 18, 25 & April 1
The Border War: Conflict in Kansas and Missouri during the Civil War Tuesdays, February 27, March 19, 26 & April 2
African Americans’ Impact on US History Wednesdays, February 28, March 6, 20 & 27
Jesus: Traditions and Images Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23 & 30
Ring of Fire: The Geology of Volcanoes Wednesdays, April 10, 17, 24 & May 1
Ethics of Big Data and AI
REGISTRATION OPENS JAN 15!
Fridays, April 19, 26 & May 3, 10
316.978.3264
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Page 18
the active age
CRANBERRY BRIE BITES 1 (8 oz.) round Brie cheese, rind rectangle. Cut into 24 equal squares. removed Gently press each one into a muffin 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed cup. ½ cup cranberry sauce Cut cheese into 24 equal pieces. ½ cup finely chopped walnuts Add 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce to Sea salt to taste each cup. Top with piece of brie and 1 Place cheese in freezer 20 minutes teaspoon chopped walnut. Refrigerate for easier cutting. Oil a 24-cup mini at least 30 minutes, then bake in muffin pan with cooking spray. 400-degree oven about 20 minutes or Roll puff pasty into a 10x14-inch until golden brown.
January 2024
PEPPERMINT MARTINI For sugared rim: coat, then dip into the standing sugar. 2 tablespoons grenadine Refrigerate until ready to use. 2 tablespoons red sanding sugar For martini, combine schnapps, For martini: vanilla vodka, half-and-half and ice 3 oz. peppermint schnapps in a cocktail shaker. Cover and shake 2 oz. vanilla vodka vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into 2 oz. half-and-half glasses and serve immediately. For rim, place grenadine and sugar on separate small plates. Dip rims of martini glasses into grenadine to
Don’t just dream it, see it!
The Washlet C110 Streamlined for Ease and Comfort
Heated seat • Gentle warm water cleansing • Automatic self-cleaning wand • Convenient control panel • Easy cleaning
Enjoy an unparalleled bathroom experience
1826 S Pattie St. • Wichita, KS 67211 316-262-7241 • 800-748-7224 www.phoenixsupplyinc.com
www.theactiveage.com
January 2024
the active age
Page 19
NOTE:The Active Age is printing regularly scheduled senior center activities as space permits. Please email Joe at joe@theactiveage.com to have your center’s activities listed.
CSalendar of eventS C S C edgwiCk
BEL AIRE 7651 E Central Park Ave 744-2700, ext 304 www.belaireks.org
BENTLEY/EAGLE 504 W Sterling, 796-0027 CHENEY 516 Main, 542-3721 CLEARWATER 921 E Janet, 584-2332
ounty
enior
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
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
enterS
MT HOPE 105 S Ohio, 667-8956
MULVANE 632 E Mulvane, 777-4813 NORTHEAST 212 1 E 21st, 269-4444 OAKLAWN 2937 Oaklawn Dr, 524-7545
LA FAMILIA 841 W 21st, 267-1700
ORCHARD PARK 4808 W 9th, 942-2293
LINWOOD 1901 S Kansas, 263-3703
PARK CITY 6100 N Hydraulic, 744-1199
MCADAMS GOLDEN AGE 1329 E 16th, 337-9222
VALLY CENTER COMMUNITY CENTER 314 E Clay, 755-7350
Butler County Senior CenterS
ANDOVER 410 Lioba Dr, 733-4441 www.andoverks.com AUGUSTA 640 Osage, 775-1189 BENTON Lion’s Community Bldg, S Main St
CASSODAY Cassoday Senior Center 133 S. Washington, 620-735-4538 DOUGLASS 124 W 4th, 746-3227 EL DORADO 210 E 2nd, 321-0142
Senior wedneSdayS
Harvey County
www.seniorwednesday.org
January 3 10:30 am Wichita Art Museum 1400 W. Museum Blvd., $2 admission. Winter Exhibitions. 1:30 pm Museum of World Treasures 835 E. 1st St. Info unavailable. January 10 10 am Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Blvd. (316) 266-8213, $4 Animal Moving Day. 1:30 pm Advanced Learning Library, 711 W, 2nd, (316) 261-8500, Free. Hell After Sundown? The Delano District in Myth & History. January 17 10 am Ulrich Museum of Art, 1845 N. Fairmount. Info unavailable.
1:30 pm Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E 29th St N. Info unavailable. January 24 10 am Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main. Kansas Day Celebration. 1:30 pm Mid American All-Indian museum. 650 N Seneca (316) 3503340, $2 + tax admission; free for MAAIM members. Info unavailable. January 30 10am The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N Water. $3. Info unavailable. 1:30 pm Old Cowtown Museum. 1865 Museum Blvd $2 + tax; bers. Info unavailable.
danCeS
Derby Sr Center, 611 Mulberry. 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7pm-9:30 pm. El Dorado Jam & Dance, Senior Center, 210 E. 2nd. Goldenrod Golden Age, 1340 S Pattie. Dances every Wednesday 7pm-9:30pm. Linwood Golden Age, 1901 S Kansas. Every Saturday 7pm-9:30pm. Call Jim 316-945-9451 Minisa Golden Age, 704 W 13th. Info 617-2560. Every Thursday 7pm9:30pm. Call Rita 316-364-1702 Mulvane, 101 E. Main (Pix Community Center Second Tuesday of every month at 7-9 pm. Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S. Clifton. Contra Dance1st Saturday of each month. 7pm-9pm. Call Amanda at 316-361-6863.
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
Orchard Park Golden Age, 4808 W 9th. Every Friday 7pm-9:30pm. Call Casey 316-706-7464 Park City Sr Center, 6100 N Hydraulic. 1st and 3rd Saturday 7-9:30 p.m. Info: 755-1060. Line Dance every Wednesday 2:30pm. Call Madison 316-744-1199. Square dance 2nd & 4th Sunday 6pm-8:30 pm. Prairie Wind Dancers: Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N Clifton. Joyce, 683-1122. Village Steppers Square Dance, Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S Clifton. Westside Steppers Square Dance, 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, 6-8:30 p.m., West Heights United Methodist (entrance "D"), 745 N. Westlink Ave. Info: Sheldon Lawrence (316) 648-7590.
BURRTON 124 N Burrton, 620-463-3225 HALSTEAD 523 Poplar, 835-2283 HESSTON Randall & Main, 620-327-5099 www.hesstonseniorcenter.com NEWTON AREA SENIOR CENTER 122 E 6th, Newton, 283-2222 www.grandcentralseniorcenter.com 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.
Butler County Transit
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 AVAILABLE THROUGH PICK UP AND DELIVERY IF NECESSARY. FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MEAL SITE OR CALL 316-686-0074
Friendship Meals Aging Projects serves a hot, nutritious meal weekdays for persons 60 and older in Sedgwick, Harvey and Butler counties. Reservations are necessary. For locations and reservations, call 316-686-0074. WEEK OF JANUARY 1 Mon: HOLIDAY Tue: Chicken & Pasta Salad, black-eyes pea salad, mixed fruit, wheat bread. Wed: Speghetti w/ meat sauce, green beans, pineapple, garlic breadstick. Thu: Tukey Stew, mixed vegetables, tropical fruit, cornbread muffin. Fri: Sweet potato shepherds pie, combination salad, dressing, sliced apples, wheat roll. WEEK OF JANUARY 8 Mon: Ham & Swiss brocc pasta,corn, blushing pears, wheat bread . Tue: Chili, baked potato, tropical fruit, cinnamon roll, crackers. Wed: Tuna Noodle casserole, mixed vegetables, apricots, garlic cheddar biscuit. Thu: Swedish steak, parslied carrots, pineapple, wheat roll, chef's choice birthday cake. Fri: Breaded Chicken patty on bun, coleslaw, peaches. WEEK OF JANUARY 15 Mon: HOLIDAY. Tue: Glazed Chicken, peas & carrots, pears, wheta roll. Wed: Ham & Beans, potatoes w/ onions, mixed fruit, cornbread muffin. Thu: Taco Burger on bun, baked beans, peaches. Fri: Broccoli & cheese soup, combination salad, dressing, sliced apples, garlic cheddar biscuit. WEEK OF JANUARY 22 Mon: New England Stew, Mixed vegetables, applesauce, cornbread muffin. Tue: Beef stronganoff, diced carrots, pineapple, wheat bread. Wed: Southwest Chicken bake, tomato salad, pears, breadstick. Thu: Creamy shrimp linguine, combination salad, dressing, apricots, garlic toast. Fri: Salsibury steak, mashed potatoes, tropical fruit, wheat roll. WEEK OF JANUARY 29 Mon: Chicken casserole, peas & carrots. Tue: Homestyle chicken & noodles, mashed potatoes, ambrosia fruit salad, garlic cheddar biscuit. Wed: Tatertot casserole, green beans, mixed fruit, wheat bread * Milk is served with all meals. Meals fall within the following ranges: Calories 650-750; protein 25 grams or higher; fat 20 to 30 percent of calories; calcium 400 mg or higher; sodium 1,000 grams or less; fiber 9 grams or higher. FUNDING MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT, KDADS AND CENTRAL PLAINS AREA AGENCY ON AGING
Page 20
the active age
January 2024
Classified advertising
F CEMETERY PROPERTY FOR SALE F
F COMPUTER SPECIALISTF
4 plots in Resthaven in Rose Garden. Section 62 lots C1,C2,C3 & C4. 1 marker, 2 vaults, 2x-opening/closing. $18,000 for all or will sell separately. Transfer fee included. Call 316-992-1931.
Tech got you down? I can help with computers, Macs, smartphones, setting up Roku etc… abcd TECH cell 316.768.7832
PRICE DROP: 2 burial spaces and 1 vault at Resthaven. One sealing vault, one opening and closing and one bronze marker. Located in the Garden of Christus. Selling both spaces and the vault for $10,000 OBO. 240-338-9743.
Alpha Electric Dependable Electrical Service Call Greg at 316-312-1575 Insured, Lic. #1303
Garden of the Praying Hands, Resthaven, Lot 38D, Space 2, $4,000. 785-478-4015
IPK Enterprises Estate Sales. Know your options, you have many. Please call us for a free consultation. 316-806-3435.
2 burial plots - Lakeview Cemetary Everlasting Life Double-Depth Lawn Crypt - C-11 Space 10. Retail $7,500, asking $4,000 OBO. Call Scott 213-798-8689 ESTATE SALE: White Chapel Memorial Gardens. 1 burial plot, valued at $1,899 sell for $1,500. 541-840-0783 Lakeview Everlasting Life Lot 102 Spaces 3 and 4. Will sell both for $3,800. Seller pays transfer fees. Cash, cashiers check or certified check only. Call 316-259-4446 Lakeview, Garden of Meditation. Lot 185-A 1 & 2. Sell both, $ 2,500.00 total. Seller pays transfer fee. fowlesteve0918@gmail.com Steve 316-305-9657 2 plots at Resthaven cemetery. Sermon on the mount garden. Lot 95-C spaces 3&4. $3,500 each or $7,000 together. Transfer fee paid. 316-734-0660. Leave message. White Chapel, Garden of Gethsemane, 2 plots w/ vaults, side by side. $2,800 plus transfer fee OBO. 913-558-0486 Lakeview. Apostle’s Garden. Lot 8 spaces 3&4. Near chapel. $2,000 both OBO Seller pays fee. 316-655-8644 Lakeview Garden of Apostles Lot 91 Space 12 with 2nd Right of Inurnment. Asking $4,500 OBO . Seller pays transfer fee. 316-253-0655 2 plots in Resthaven Garden of Memories, Garden of Gethsemane, $5,500 each, includes transfer fee. Contact Kay 785-614-2775, or kreed@cloud.edu 1 double depth lawn crypt at Resthaven, in Bruce Newton Garden, Lot 198 D space 1. Includes 16x24in marker. Current value $12,600 asking $ 8,500. Buyer pays transfer fee. Call 316-833-9644. Single plot Lakeview cemetery, Veterans Garden, Lot 59 Space 9, $1,700, Buyer pays transfer fee. Call 316-409-5435. Resthaven single plot available in Garden of Freedom. Plot #62 C-3. Paid $4,695 sell for $4,000 OBO. Call 316-993-2223. Single Plot – Resthaven Cemetery – Garden of the Cross 46A1 $5000 OBO Email: arkpegram@cox.net OR 479-644-6680 serious inquires only
Lois Thompson
Serving families for 30 years with preneed arrangements at all Dignity Memorial Locations
316-516-8815 316-722-2100
F ELECTRICAL F
F ESTATE SALES F
F EVENTS F Prairie Rose Ranch presents 3 Trails West New Years Eve Dinner & Dance Sunday, Dec 31st Doors open w/ meal available from 6-8pm. Dance from 8-10 pm.
We Ring the New Year in at 10:00! Make reservations online at prairieroseks.com Or call 317-778-2121.
Dance only $35 plus tax OR Dinner/Dance is $50 plus tax Reservations are encouraged but walk ins are welcome for the dance. Meal orders are preordered only.
Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Ranch 15231 SW Parallel St Benton KS
F FOOT CARE F FOOT CARE IN YOUR HOME
Cheryl Rosine ~ The Foot Lady ICMT RN
• 316-312-2025 •
Benjamin Jones ~ CNAICR
• 316-932-8524•
$40: In-home, Sedgwick & surrounding counties Diabetic, thick toe nails, ingrown & callous care Foot Care in home. Home visit $40.00 Call Francine at 316-943-4360. Leave a message.
F FOR SALEF Motorized wheel chair. New Battery. Runs good. $1,000 cash only. 316-491-1393 Pride victory 10, Three-wheel electric scooter. 400 lb. weight limit. $1,000. Call 316-729-9236. 2011 Chrysler Towne & Country mini-van completely wheel chair accessible. 60,000 miles. Good Condition. $20,500. Call Sandra 36-390-4650
F FURNITURE F Downsizing? Don't have an Auction, or Estate Sale. We Buy Entire Estates. Call Kelly 316-283-8536. Furniture Warehouse 200 Main Newton, KS
F HAIR STYLINGF Hair Solutions by Sherry Perms * Cuts * Colors Men, Woman & Children 1 person Salon
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Call for an appointment Sherry Brown 316-207-1760
PlaCe an ad: 942-5385
F HAULING/JUNK REMOVALF
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F
MISC. ODD JOBS Fence, Paint, Sheet Rock, Yard, Clean- Up. Hauling Handyman NO JOB TOO SMALL Honest & Reasonable. 316-807-4989.
F HOME CARE F Needing someone to clean home. Willing to pay $20/hr. 316-889-1426.
PAINTING • SIDING • SEAMLESS GUTTERING • DECKS
316.807-5180
Private Duty Aide with light house keeping. Availability evenings and weekends. References upon request. Cynthia CNA/HHA 316-992-6711 Looking for Companion Care? Will do light housekeeping, meal prep, run errands. 316-652-5737 28 YR EXPERIENCED LICENSED HOME HEALTH AIDE Providing rides to Dr etc. Home Health Care Specializing in Dementia/Diabetes. Ref avail. Kay 316-882-9127
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS F Dave’s Improvements General Contractor Lic #7904 Roofing, Siding, Doors, Gutters, Windows, Storm damage repair, Senior Discount. 316-312-2177 Handyman RX- We have a remedy for almost all of your “fix-it” jobs! Light carpentry including deck and fence repair, indoor misc. repairs and installations, lawn mowing “LG or SM”, Yard & Garage clean-up, mulching, hauling miscellaneous,hauling dirt, sand, and rock/gravel upto 3.5 tons. What you need done I can probably handle. Call for HELP! Brian 316-217-0882. Free Estimates Cowboy Construction Remodeling, siding, decks, fences, windows, doors and more. 20 years locally owned. Free estimates. Senior discounts. Todd Wenzel 316-393-4488 Molina Electric - Wichita Lic #1364 Comm. or Residential wiring. Service calls. New electric service. Troubleshooting. Cell 316-461-2199.
LIFT-RITE GARAGE DOORS
Scheduled maintenance, repair, sales on all garage doors. *Springs-Torsion & Extension *Garage Door Openers, Doors & More
Chris (316) 619-1196 or Linda (316) 841-5252
S & V Concrete
Steps, porches, patios, sidewalks, driveways & garage floors. Also 4-inch steps with 18-inch landings for seniors. Licensed, bonded, insured. Free estimates
Steve 992-6884
K & A Maintenance Experts We specialize in the following
Wheel Chair Ramps • Landscaping • Remodeling Decks • Safety Hand Rails
FREE ESTIMATES
All General Maintenance and Repairs Please call Jesse at 316-854-7642
Derby, Haysville, Mulvane, Rose Hill, Wichita. Exterior & Interior. House painting, siding, decks, fences. Build, repair and stain. (SEE REVIEWS)KC KIMBALL DERBY KS ANGI Free Estimates. Be Blessed. Thank you. 316-250-2265 MOBILE GLASS REPAIR Windows * Patio * Doors Windows won’t stay up, Crank Outs, Patio Rollers and Lock Latches, Morris Glass & Service, 316-946-0745 Dirt Dr LLC Call or Text for a FREE estimate! 316-351-8863 Dirt Dr LLC specializes in: • Dirt Work & Junk Removal • Yard Clean Out • Demo Nelsen Contracting General Contractor Honesty, Quality, Integrity are Key! • Home Improvements/Repairs • Upkeep Maintenance Free Initial Consultation. 316-665-1644
Ballard Plumbing ALL PLUMBING REPAIRS • •
FREE estimates Senior Discounts
Licensed & Insured Veteran Owned - Family Operated
Call Brad at 316-260-0136 www.BallardPHC.com
Place your ad today! Call 316-942-5385 Deadline for the Feb. paper is Jan 15 www.theactiveage.com
Senior Citizen Discounts
• Residential and Commercial • Painting for Interior and Exterior the active •age Power Washing • Some Home Improvements
January 2024
Classified advertising
PlaCe an ad: 942-5385
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F
F PAINTING CONT F
Professional Handyman Services
Bruce Smith Roofing & Siding
Affordable Painting
General Contractor
Drywall Repair & Popcorn Removal Repair/Replace Windows & Doors
Home Improvement & Repair
316-518-8553
JS Guttering & Construction 5"-6" SEAMLESS GUTTER WHOLE HOUSE PAINTING SIDING & WINDOWS
Call Josh for an estimate
316-393-8921
Beard & Son Concrete Construction
Drive ways, sidewalks, patio and landscaping. Dirt work and more. Skid Loader/Mini Skid Loader Services Licensed * Bonded * Insured
I bid’em to get’em!
Protect your home from the elements of the weather!
FREE ESTIMATES
F LAWN AND GARDEN F Jesus Landscaping Complete lawncare. Spring clean-up * Aeration * Over Seeding Gutter cleaning * Fencing * Landscape install/maintain * Shrub/tree trimming/ removal Call for a free estimate! 316-737-3426 or 316-631-5984 WWW.JESUSLANDSCAPINGKS.COM West Side Lawn Service FALL LEAF CLEANUP Hauling & odd jobs Free estimates. Perry 316-339-4117. MISC. ODD JOBS Fence, Paint, Sheet Rock, Yard, Clean- Up. Hauling Handyman NO JOB TOO SMALL Honest & Reasonable. 316-807-4989.
Steve 316-259-0629 Dylan 316-734-6134
Brush, Limbs, Debris, Hauling and Junk Removal. Leaf removal. Free Estimates. Will pick up scrap metal FREE of charge Call David at 316-213-8880.
AGAPE CONSTRUCTION
Please call Robert for leaf removal, raking, and garden bed clean up or any other gardening needs. No job too big or too small. Free estimates. 316-932-4225
Total Concrete Services
Locally Owned by Pastor Steven Blalock 10% off Senior/Military Discount
807-8650
www.agaperoofingandconstruction.com
AGAPE ROOFING Three Generations of Local Roofers Quality Work – Fair Prices Residential & Commercial
Siding - Guttering - Windows
316-807-8650
Call for Free Roof Inspection Locally Owned by Pastor Steven Blalock Licensed & Insured
SENIOR HELPING SENIOR FORSHEE MASONRY- 50 Years Any Brick, Block, Stone Repair Sidewalk Leveling Senior Discount
RICK 316-945-8751
PLUMBCO
Compare Our Prices Weekly Plumbing Specials
Ins/Lic #5803 316-942-1967
316-945-9473
Spring Specials 10% off
All types of roofing, siding, handyman work, hauling, clean-ups & other exterior projects
316-640-3155 Licensed & Insured
F TREE SERVICE CONTF
"We've Been Covering The Town For 30 Years!"
35 Years Exp. Locally owned & operated
• Residential and Commercial • Painting for Interior and Exterior • Power Washing • Some Home Improvements
Free Estimates * Senior Citizen Discounts
www.affordablepaintingwichita.com Art Busch
316.990.7039 artbuschwichita.com artbusch@plazare.com
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Senior Real Estate Specialist Art Busch 316.990.7039 artbuschwichita.com Artbusch@plazare.com
Art Busch
Each office is independently Owned and Operated
316.990.7039 Art Busch artbuschwichita.com 316.990.7039 artbusch@plazare.com artbuschwichita.com artbusch@plazare.com Senior Real Estate Specialist
F ROOFING F
Dave’s Improvements Inc.
Easch officeisisindependently independently EachEstate office Senior Real Specialist
Ownedand and Operated Owned
Preferred Roofing Contractor Lic #7904 Easch office is independently
• Tree Work • Decking • Trimming
**Anything Home Improvement**
David Massey Andrew Massey 316-339-5205 316-553-6177 integrityluxurylawns@gmail.com
MOWING
• Roofing • Siding • Doors
• Gutters • Windows • And more
Senior Discount. 316-312-2177
'Let us Help you- Medical Loan Closet!' Call 316-779-8989
Downsizing / Moving / Fall Cleaning We buy everything from individual items to whole estates. House cleanout service also available. Give us a call to learn more about all the services we provide Bud Palmer Auction 316.838.4141 BudPalmerAuction.com Mary has both the knowledge and compassion to help others make informed decisions about health insurance, medicare, and long-term care. ~ Google Reviewer
Assistance With: Medicare Solutions Long-Term Care Living Trusts Medicare & Medicaid Veteran Resouces
Partnering with LT Care Solutions
My mission is to serve others through education, consulting, problem-solving, and advocacy My pledge is continued support with their insurance and related services to help them stay as healthy as possible.
Mary Halsig, CLTC, Veteran
F PAINTING F McCoy Painting 316-516-6443 Do you need any interior or exterior painting done? I’m your man. Free estimates, affordable rates. References available..
pruning - tree removal - stump grinding - debris/ brush haul off - chemical sprays - emergency services - firewood - consultations - demolitions
Professional & Insured • Certified Arborist Residential & Commercial Matthew Farley Owner/Tree Expert
316-932-5654 treeonesix2023@gmail.com
F SERVICES F
F ORGANIZATIONS F
Join the best networking group to expand your business Call Kathy Adkins for more information 316-807-8293 www.rivercitynetworking.biz
316-522-9458
www.alfredstreeservice.com
Yard Clean Ups
Tree Trimming Junk Removal Stump Grinding
Brock Eastman 316.765.1677
Alfred's Superior Tree Service
Owned and Operated
**FREE ROOFING INSPECTIONS** Storm Damage Repair
Integrity Landscaping & Construction • Clean Ups/Haul Off • Fences • Power Washing
Bruce’s Tree Service PROMPT IMMEDIATE SERVICE Complete Tree Trimming & Removal Gutter Cleaning and Leaf Rake Trees * Shrubs* Hedgerows * Evergreens Senior Discounts. Insured. Over 30 years exp. Free Estimates ALL FARM & RURAL AREAS Firewood Call 316-207-8047 STUMP GRINDING Brock 316-765-1677
F REAL ESTATEF
Easch office is independently Owned and Operated
Page 21
Free Estimates
www.halsiginsurance.com (316) 207-2377
F ROOMMATE WANTED F Senior Gentleman wishes to share house. Male or Female. $350 plus shared utilities. Proof of income requires. Pets Welcome. NO Smokers/heavy drinkers. South Wichita. 316-200-2451
F TREE SERVICE F Felipe Tree Service Evergreen trimming. Tree removal. Brush hauling. Splitting. Deadwooding. Free estimates. 12 years experience. 316-807-4419
www.theactiveage.com
TREE & STUMP TREE &REMOVAL STUMP REMOVAL
Advantage • Fast &Home Reliable Services • Free for316-518-8553 Qualified Licensed & Insured Seniors
Stan 316-518-8553 F WANTED Advantage HomeFServices Licensed & Insured Homestatue. Improvement & Repair Call 316-243-7312. Someone to carve a five-foot outdoor
Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing & more
Place your ad today! Call 316-942-5385 Deadline for the Feb paper is Jan 15
One call does it all! 316-518-8553
Hear what advertisers say about Classified Ads:
"The ad has been really helpful and business has been steady." "The ad worked really well, we got the plot sold in the first month."
Page 22
the active age
January 2024
For a better Kansas license plate design, we need a history lesson By Max McCoy Kansas Reflector When the governor rolled out the new Kansas license plate redesign just before Thanksgiving, she said the design “promotes the state and our sense of optimism as Kansans travel near and far.” But most folks recognized the new plate for what it was — a turkey. No wonder Gov. Laura Kelly scrapped the new plates a week later. (Editor’s note: Kansans were allowed to vote online for a new license plate from Dec. 11-15. The winning design is pictured below) The design, with a string of seven dark blue characters against a pumpkin background, didn’t promote anything so much as somebody’s attempt to make a license plate into a kind of vehicle barcode. Functional, and easy for Orwellian surveillance cameras to read, but lacking any human touch save the cheerful “to the stars” in script at the bottom. But even the “stars” reference was weak, sounding more like an old Jackie Gleason bit about threatening to smack Alice than any homage to our state motto. “Ad astra per aspera” cannot be improved on, and not mentioning the difficulty part is cheating. Curious about the history of license plates in Kansas, I rang up Tom Allen, a Topeka collector who has some 10,000 tags, 85 percent of which are from Kansas. He also collects plates issued by World War II military bases. Allen sells some plates to other collectors and to car owners whose vehicles are registered as antiques. He said he got the collecting bug after attending a swap meet with a friend of his parents’ who was an antique car collector.
“Kansas has a long history of their plate designs not being well received,” Allen told me. The oldest Kansas plate in Allen’s collection was issued in 1908 by the city of Atchison. It’s made of leather and, in the days before cars had bumpers, was slung from the axle, the radiator, or another spot. Such tags are called “pre-state plates” because Tom Allen of Topeka has collected some 10,000 tags, 85 percent are from Kansas. they were made before Kansas required vehicle workers with disabilities. frame, like a sink. registration and instead left it up to There were no more graphics until It is unlikely the Kansas reboot cities, which sometimes provided the 1981, when three stalks of wheat were will be made of porcelain, but the plates for free. introduced in the upper left corner. thought is amusing. No, the public “They’re the rarest plate you can “It was controversial because the will be offered a choice among a get from Kansas,” he said. “They go for Highway Patrol complained they few designs conforming to “the upwards of $1,000.” couldn’t read the county designation needs of law enforcement and best In 1913, the state began requiring and month of expiration,” Allen said. practices established by the American registration, charging $2 for each “After a year they quit issuing that Association of Motor Vehicle vehicle. The plates were metal, black design.” Administrators,” according to the on white, and in the right side had the The wheat stalks were kept but governor’s news release. letters KAN. The numbers started at 1 moved to the center of the plate. The AAMVA's “best practices” and went to 39,000, Allen said. In 1989, Kansas came up with require seven digits, slogans placed The first graphic appeared on a another dud. at the bottom of the plate, graphics Kansas plate in 1942, with sunflowers Collectors call it the “Pacman to be on the right or left side of the on the lower left and right sides. From plate,” Allen said, because of number, and graphics or backgrounds 1951 to 1955, license plates were the the stylized, blocky design. “The that don’t interfere with the ability for shape of the state of Kansas, with the public didn’t care for it, so the state human beings or HAL 9000 to read bevel notched in the upper right to redesigned it and made the font more the numbers. resemble the Missouri River. In 1956, As for a graphic, we’ve already that notch was filled in because license traditional.” The 1989 plate was one those I used up the best ones: wheat, the plates nationwide were standardized to actually like, because I thought the font Statehouse, the starry portion of 6 by 12 inches, dimensions still used resembled that of the progressive rock the state seal. What other icons say today. band “Kansas.” Carry on, wayward son. Kansas? The world’s largest ball of From 1928 to 1975, Allen said, So, what did expert Allen think of twine in Cawker City might be a the state’s metal license plates were the latest redesign? contender. “To the stars through stamped by juvenile offenders at “As a plate collector, I know a lot twine.” the Hutchinson Reformatory. Then of people will look at that design and The tourism department might like the state privatized license plate it does remind them of a previously that. production, he said, and since 1975 issued New York plate. Not the one Max McCoy is an author and the tags have been made at Center currently in use, but the old one is journalist. A longer version of this article Industries in Wichita, employing still in people’s minds,” he said. “But can be found at kansasreflector.com. when I saw it, I immediately thought Missouri Tiger colors, so it didn’t New Kansas License Plate appeal to me in that regard. It is very legible, but aesthetically I don’t think it’s very pleasing.” A good plate design, Allen explained, must balance the need between art and functionality. It’s a tricky thing because many Kansans, like motorists in other states, are passionate about their cars and want The design of Kansas' new license their license plates to convey a sense of plate was choosen by about 53% identity. of the 270,000 residents who Does Allen have a favorite Kansas voted online. Once the design tag? goes through a preproduction “One of my favorites is a porcelain process, it will replace the current standard background Wichita plate from 1912,” he said. on all plates, starting with any While porcelain may not sound embossed plates still needing to like a great material for a car tag, be replaced. it was fairly common for the era, and surprisingly rugged because the porcelain was baked onto a metal www.theactiveage.com
January 2024
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Page 23
19 self-employment ideas for becoming your own boss
By Kimberly Blaker For a variety of reasons, many older Americans won’t retire. According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 30 percent of Americans ages 65 to 74 are projected to be in the workforce in 2026. While financial necessity is one big reason many people won’t retire, others are choosing to stay employed for as long as they can. Generating extra income, saving on leisure costs, and warding off depression top the reasons many seniors choose to remain in the workforce. Still, working after retirement age doesn’t necessarily mean seniors are punching time clocks. According to data from the Kauffman 2017 National Report on Early-Stage Entrepreneurship, 26 percent of new entrepreneurs working for themselves are aged 55 to 64 years old. So, if you plan to remain in the workforce, but would like to work for yourself, there are plenty of business opportunities that don’t cost a bundle to get started. Here are 19 companies you can start from home, most of which require minimal to no investment. 1. Wedding Planner. Does the idea of helping couples with one of the most important and romantic days of their lives make your heart skip a beat? Wedding planners help couples with every aspect of their wedding and reception, from invitations and the wedding party's attire to the cake, reception hall, and entertainment. 2. Event Planner. If you have excellent organizational and time management skills as well as business acumen, this might be the perfect fit. Event planners coordinate every aspect of a meeting or convention, and sometimes social events as well. Planners arrange the location, catering, speakers, and printed materials for events, and more. 3. Home Staging Consultant. According to the real estate industry, well-staged homes sell faster and for more money. Yet, when it comes down to it, most people's homes are anything but show-ready. If you like home decorating and rearranging furniture, this might be up your alley. You can either offer consulting services or do the staging yourself. 4. Professional Organizer. Are you obsessed with keeping your cupboards, drawers, closets, and garage organized? If so, you might be surprised to learn that most people are not. Here's where your organizational skills can earn you a living. Between those who lack organizational skills and others who don't have the time,
there›s a massive market for such services. 5. Pet Sitting. For animal lovers, this has become a particularly popular form of self-employment. With the rising cost of pet boarding and pet owners' desire to reduce the stress their pets' experiences during owner absences, many hire sitters and are willing to pay good money for the service. 6. Tour Company. Do you live in a big city, historical town, or scenic area with state parks and national monuments? If so, there's likely a need or demand for tour guides, which can be a lucrative business. You can provide either walking or driving tours to visitors and residents while sharing your knowledge of the area and sites with them. Just be sure set up good safety measures before you meet alone with strangers. 7. Social Media Management. If you're savvy with social media, companies large and small require your service. Social media management includes setting up social media accounts and writing ongoing engaging and shareable posts. You'll also respond to social media messages and comments to build and maintain the company's relationship with its followers. 8. Blogging. If you love writing and have the skill to write ongoing, engaging posts, you'll discover every type of business imaginable either has or needs a blog. Just look for companies related to your area of expertise. If you're an expert researcher, that's all the better, and the sky›s the limit. 9. Content Writing. This is another high-demand writing job. Businesses of all kinds need wellwritten website content that describes their products and services as well as related content to increase targeted traffic. For most companies, search engine optimized (SEO) content is a must. So, if you have this skill, you already have the edge over many writers. 10.Consulting. What's your area of expertise? Whatever it is, there are likely plenty of people or businesses that could use your advice. To get your brain churning, here are a few examples of consultant services to consider: financial, business, social media, legal, career, technology, public relations, human resources, strategy, marketing, information technology, management, childbirth, interior decorating, and the list goes on. 11. Travel Agency. Despite the ease and cost-effectiveness of buying and scheduling travel online, there's still a good demand for travel agents.
Many people prefer using an agent because of the travel advice agents offer as well as for arranging complicated travel plans. So if you love travel and helping people, this might be just the right business for you. 12. Website Design. Have you built a website for yourself or someone in the past? If so, and you have a knack for design along with excellent computer skills, this might be just the home-based career you've been waiting for. With Wordpress, in particular, website design is relatively simple yet offers designers unlimited options. 13. Project Management. If you’re an idea person with excellent management skills, this career is worth considering. Can you take a project and run with it and see it through to completion? As a project manager, your role is to put together and lead teams through projects. You’ll also be in charge of creating project budgets and managing their costs and ultimately, making most of the projects’ decisions. 14. Bookkeeping. Small businesses often have only a few hours’ of accounting per week or month. So it isn’t feasible or necessary for them to hire an employee for the task. This is where you can step in and offer your services. Landing just a few business accounts could quickly provide you a full-time income working from home. 15. Personal Trainer. If you’re a fitness buff and enjoy motivating others, this might be just the career for you. Personal trainer certification programs run between $400 to $1,000. Upon completion, you can either work as a personal trainer for a fitness corporation or independently. 16. Teach Online Courses. Here's a wide-open opportunity because courses can be taught on just about anything. Do you have a passion for something? What are your areas of expertise, educational background, or special skills or talents? Chances are there's something you're great at and qualified to teach. Here are some ideas to consider: a hobby or craft, computer skills, photography, web design, writing, professional development, how to play an instrument, dog training. The list is endless. 17.Recruiting Agency. Because
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of the challenges and time involved in finding qualified applicants to fill high-level positions, many companies now use recruiters to help fill the roles. With the current low unemployment rate, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified candidates on their own. So why not step in and help them? 18. Catering. Do you live for making delicious and eye-appealing food? If you've got excellent culinary skills, then offer your catering services. Think wedding receptions, corporate events, graduation parties, bar mitzvahs, luncheons, anniversary parties, and a host of other occasions. 19. Life Coach. If you enjoy helping people better themselves, here's the perfect opportunity to make the most of your skill. Depending on where you live, there may be educational requirements for this career. So do your research. But if you're good at setting goals and developing personal plans, solving problems, understanding people and what motivates them, and offering sound advice, this career is worth considering.
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Smart devices help seniors age in place Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve been talking to my mobility challenged mother, who lives alone, about automating her house with some smart home products to make it more convenient. She’s very interested but we’d like to get your opinion as to which types of smart devices are most helpful for seniors aging in place. — Searching Daughter Dear Searching, If your mother is game, smart home products — such as smart lights, video doorbells and voice-activated speakers — can be very useful for aging in place. These devices can add safety and convenience to a home by providing voice and app-controlled operation, which is extremely helpful for seniors who have mobility issues or reduced vision. Smart home technology can also provide family members peace of mind by giving them the ability to electronically keep tabs on their elder loved one when they can’t be there. If you’re interested in adding some smart home products to your mom’s house, she’ll need home WiFi installed, and she’ll need either a smartphone, tablet or smart speaker to operate them. To help you get started, here are some different types of devices to consider that are very helpful to
older adults. Smart speakers: A smart speaker — like the Amazon Echo, Google Nest or Apple HomePod — can serve as the brains of a smart home, controlling the devices with voice commands or automating them. These devices can also play your mom’s favorite music, read audiobooks, make calls, set timers and alarms, provide reminders for medications, appointments and other things, check traffic and weather, answer questions, call for help in emergency situations and much more — all done by voice commands. Smart light bulbs: To help prevent home falls — which are often caused by fumbling around a dark room looking for a light switch — smart light bulbs will let your mom turn on and off the lights by voice command, smartphone or tablet. These bulbs can also change brightness and color and be programmed to come on and off whenever she wants. Smart plugs: These small units plug into a standard outlet and connect to the internet. That means your mom
can control whatever she plugs into them –— from a space heater to a coffee maker — using her voice or phone. Video doorbell: Safety is also a concern for older adults, especially those who live alone. A video doorbell would let your mom see and speak to visitors at the door without having to walk over and open it. Smart locks: For convenience and safety, smart locks would give your mom keyless entry to her home, provide customized access to family, friends and caregivers, and let you monitor who comes and goes from your mom’s house. Smart thermostat: This lets your mom preprogram or manually control the temperature in her home with voice command or via phone, and let you monitor it, too. Smart smoke alarms: These will alert your mom when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected and will also send alerts to your phone if a problem is detected. Stovetop shut-off: To prevent home cooking fires, smart stovetop shut-off devices, like the IGuardStove, will turn off electric and gas stovetops when left unattended and will alert you
Transportation Medicare Advantage plans to and from are right fit for many seniors medical appointments is often one of the
By Greg Dane As a licensed independent insurance agent, my primary focus is serving seniors who are Medicare eligible. I would like to respond to the Savvy Senior column “Look out for misleading Medicaid Advantage ads” in last month’s issue of The Active Age. Yes, be leery of Medicare Advantage ads on TV, social media and direct mail. Those types of communication are in fact often misleading. There are many reputable ads, however, that are run specifically by the insurance carriers and those ads have to be approved by Medicare. Enrolling someone in the right Medicare Advantage plan entails properly vetting their doctors, prescriptions and hospitals. As an agent, I can be cited by Medicare for not properly doing so if a client files a sales allegation against me, at which point documentation of the enrollment must be submitted. The reality today is 40 percent of Medicare eligible seniors and those who qualify due to disability choose Medicare Advantage plans because
Guest Column
extra benefits along with personal they cannot afford a monthly premium. emergency response devices for those The reason there is no premium for seniors who are a many Medicare Advantage plans fall risk. is because Medicare compensates Greg Dane The Savvy the carriers using a portion of the Senior column also Medicare Part B premium paid by the mentions the State Health Insurance eligible individual as payment. Assistance Program. I respect my peers I agree with the writer of the at SHIP, but there is a huge difference article that one should do their in our two services. I have to be tested homework. However, I disagree that annually by a trade organization Medical Advantage plans touting free known as AHIP (America’s Health vision, dental and hearing benefits Insurance Plans) in order to promote “aren’t always what they seem” as the Medicare Advantage plans for the next writer states. calendar year. I also must pass a state When I am reviewing options with my prospects, I fully disclose what life and health exam and maintain my these benefits are and what they cover. continuing education in order to keep my license and remain an active agent. Most dental plans cover more than Medicare Advantage plans are not just routine cleaning, like extractions, evil and were designed to address the bridges, and dentures. for example. needs of eligible seniors faced with In addition, most Medicare monetary and physical challenges. Advantage plans offer a quarterly and They are not for everyone and as an sometimes monthly allowance for agent, it is my job to determine the over-the-counter items like allergy mediations, and vitamins/supplements, proper fit for my clients. Greg Dane is a licensed insurance as well as medical devices like a blood agent in Wichita. pressure cuff. www.theactiveage.com
January 2024 via text. Medical alert system: These devices provide wearable wrist and/ or necklace emergency buttons that would allow your mom to call for help if she were to fall or need assistance. Many systems today also provide voice activated and fall detection features, and caregiver tracking apps that will let you keep tabs on her. Cameras and smart sensors: If your mom needs more in-depth monitoring, there are indoor cameras you can install so you can see, hear and talk to her from your phone. Or, if that’s too intrusive, you can install smart contact sensors on her doors so you can know when she comes and goes, or on her refrigerator door so you can know if she’s eating. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Get more savvy
Find more Savvy Senior at theactiveage.com. This month’s topics include: 1. How to Ease the Winter Blues 2. What Is the Retirement Saver’s Credit and How Does It Work? 3. Tips on Caring for an Aging Parent
Don’t get caught in the cold on heating costs
Family Features There are things you can do now to help save money by reducing your energy consumption. Consider these tips from the experts at Carrier: 1. Turn the heat down to the lowest setting you are comfortable with. Turning the temperature down an additional 10-15 degrees while you are sleeping or away can help save about 10 percent a year on energy costs. 2. Install a programmable thermostat can make turning down the heat automatic. 3. Keep up with regular maintenance of your home heating system so it runs efficiently. Change your filter as recommended by the manufacturer. 4. The average life of a furnace is 15-20 years. Right now may be a good time to consider replacing your aging furnace with available manufacturer promotions, energy company incentives and tax credits associated with the Inflation Reduction Act. 5. Check for drafts around doors, windows and other openings. Seal with caulk or weatherstripping. Also ensure your home is insulated properly.
January 2024
the active age
3 ways to support veterans in your community Family Features As a group, United States military veterans have played an important role in protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed today. Consider these three small gestures to help show appreciation to the veterans in your community .
Send a “Thank You” Card Offering a heartfelt acknowledgment of the challenges veterans faced is one of the simplest ways to show them your appreciation and provide an emotional boost. If you know a veteran in your community, consider sending a handwritten “thank you” note. Or consult with a local veterans service
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organization that may be able to help you share a letter, card, care package or supportive email with former military personnel in your area. Encourage Veterans to Share Their Stories Through the Veterans History Project, the Library of Congress collects and preserves the firsthand remembrances of U.S. military veterans like Martinez and makes them accessible. Participating in the program involves submitting a 30-minute (or longer) unedited video or audio interview sharing service details and/ or a collection of original photographs
Page 25 or correspondence. To get started, visit loc.gov/vets and click “How to Participate” to download a how-to field kit for details, instructions and required forms. Volunteer at Veterans Facilities or Organizations Many veterans organizations, including Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and medical facilities, welcome volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks such as clerical work, organization, transportation and simply visiting with wounded veterans to brighten their days. After locating a facility near you, contact the staff to arrange a visit.
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Social Security belongs to you, not politicians. Get what you earned. You work hard and pay into Social Security for your future. So it’s only fair for you to get the money you’ve earned. It’s your money, not a piggy bank for politicians. But Social Security is facing a funding shortfall that must be addressed so it can be protected for you and every American. If politicians don’t take action in the next 10 years to save Social Security, your Social Security could be cut by 20%, an average of $4,000 a year. AARP is urging Washington to find a solution to protect and save Social Security, so you get the money you’ve earned.
Learn more at aarp.org/YouEarnedIt facebook.com/AARPKS | @AARPKS | aarp.org/KS www.theactiveage.com
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January 2024
Kansas now warmer on the USDA’s gardening and farming map By Celia Llopis-Jepsen KMUW Kansans may take a chance on some new plant varieties in gardens and nurseries and on farms next year after the U.S. Department of Agriculture changed its hardiness zone map. Most of Kansas has been recategorized as one half-zone warmer on the map, which the agency updated last month for the first time in 11 years. The hardiness map reflects the coldest winter temperatures recorded annually by weather stations across the
U.S. Growers use it to pick plant varieties that should survive the bitterest nights of their local winters. The federal government uses it to set crop insurance standards. “It’s critical,” said Cheryl Boyer, a professor at Kansas State University’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources. “I would say everybody involved in plant production or growth of any kind is using this map.” Boyer also directs Kansas State Research and Extension programs related to horticulture and natural
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resources. “To me, the biggest change if you’re a gardener,” she said, “is in the southern part of the state.” Wichita, Fort Scott and surrounding areas shifted from zone 6b to zone 7a, meaning gardeners there could check out plant recommendations from northern Oklahoma for inspiration. “That’s open season on trying some new things,” she said, “but also being OK with losing a plant if we have a really extreme winter some year.” In other words, growers should be aware that an exceptional cold snap
could still buck the USDA’s adjusted map. Based on 30 years of data, about half of the country has shifted a halfzone warmer on the map. However, the USDA hasn’t linked this to climate change. It wrote in a news release that the new map partly reflects efforts to record temperatures in more locations. Several thousand more weather stations contributed to the 2023 map – 13,412 stations compared to the 7,983 that provided data for the 2012 version.
Hope for those with vision loss • Is it difficult to read regular print in newspapers, magazines or books? • Does your vision make it difficult to watch TV or recognize faces? • Has your eye doctor told you eyeglasses can no longer be made stronger? If so, call Envision for an appointment or schedule an education presentation in your senior living facility. VISION REHABILITATION CENTER
Call us today at 316-440-1600 We accept Medicare, Kancare and most commercial insurance plans.
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Happy New Year from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. Make sure to prioritize your mental health in the new year. Visit bcbsks.miresource.com to find mental health resources in your area.
An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
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January 2024
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THE CARE YOU NEED
The Respect You Deserve At Homestead, our team helps seniors remain independent while providing quality care in a friendly environment. Participate in a variety of activities while we take care of homecooked meals, housekeeping and linen service, and more. Let our team help you find the right care solution for your family. HOMESTEAD OF AUGUSTA*
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*These communities also offer memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related diseases.
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January 2024
Know more before you explore Available senior living options to support you in Wichita. Independent Living: Re-imagine your retirement; let our staff take care of the yard work, while you focus on the lifestyle you love. Assisted Living: Rest assured that our compassionate team will help support your loved ones independence while providing personalized support with their activities of daily living and more. Memory Support: We understand the importance of providing a supportive environment for those living with dementia. Our program is designed around your loved one's life story. Short-term Rehabilitation: Following a recent hospital stay, short-term rehabilitation services are a helpful way to build strength before you get back home to your normal way of life.
Call to schedule a community visit or ask us about upcoming events to discover more today! © Ascension 2024. All rights reserved.
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Via Christi Village Broadmoor Memory Support 1240 N Broadmoor | Wichita, KS 67206 316-512-1946 Via Christi Village Georgetown Independent Living 1655 Georgetown St. | Wichita, KS 67218 316-613-0049 Via Christi Village McLean Independent Living, Assisted Living and Short-term Rehabilitation 777 N McLean Blvd. | Wichita, KS 67203 316-799-0712 Via Christi Village Ridge Assisted Living and Short-term Rehabilitation 3636 N Ridge Road | Wichita, KS 67205 316-444-4501