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Vol 44 No. 4
Happy Campers
Outdoor-loving couples find fun and friendships serving as camp hosts
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Susan and Dave Cohrs at Bryce Canyon in Utah where they had their first camp hosting stop last year.
The Active Age A lot of people’s retirement plans include outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, whale watching and learning more about nature, but some people have found a way to do it for free or, in some cases, even get paid a little for it. They are camp hosts. Randy and Denice Bradbury at South Beach State Park in Oregon where they These campground workers had a stint as camp hosts last year. are volunteers or people easing into retirement by still Portland, Ore. getting paid a small amount to do Wichitans Susan and David jobs such as greeting other campers, Cohrs are paid camp hosts. handling reservations and keeping “It’s more like minimum wage,” campgrounds clean and safe. said Susan, who used to work for Visit “What’s the downside?” said Wichita. “We kind of call it semiDenice Bradbury, who was in retirement.” communications and public affairs She and David, a retired police when she lived in Wichita. “You get to officer and former trucker, used to stay in a park free for a month.” camp a lot with their kids. She and her husband, Randy, a Seven years ago during a writer, along with their two cats and motorcycle trip the two took, they dog, now spend four months of the visited with camp hosts around a year volunteer hosting at various state parks not far from their home in See Campers, page 6
Inside: Win tickets to Johnny Cash & Neil Diamond tribute show March 2023
Big Read to focus on tough conversations
By Joe Stumpe Since 2008, the Big Read has promoted literacy and meaningful conversations across the country by encouraging members of participating communities to read a selected book. This year, the book chosen by organizers in Wichita should resonate with readers of The Active Age. “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” is a graphic memoir by Roz Chast, a cartoonist best known for her work in The New Yorker magazine. The book is about her aging parents and the last several years of their lives. Those who’ve read it say it’s both funny and sad and most of all a reminder of the need for talking about subjects — including serious illness, dementia and death — most of us would rather avoid. “It’s pretty poignant for sure,” said Nicole Rogers, a professor and chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences at Wichita State University. “She (Chast) goes through what every person who has a parent unfortunately
See Big Read, page 7
'Two for the price of one'
Officers' wives relished roles By Patti Sullivan When people say the military gets two recruits for the price of one, they are referring to military spouses. Although not officially part of the military, the military spouse enlists on the day she — and now sometimes he — says “I do.” The Retired Officers Wives Club in Wichita is comprised of such spouses. All were married to officers who served in a branch of the Armed Services during the 1950s-70s. These women served alongside them. Members have been meeting for lunch every month for more
than 50 years, enjoying friendship and memories forged by mutual experience. The experience began with their husband’s first assignment as an officer. Incoming wives attended a welcome luncheon and were introduced to the other wives in their husband’s unit. They were expected to join the Officers Wives Club, attend regularly scheduled events and take part in social gatherings with other couples in the squadron. Some performed volunteer work on the base. But the main role of the military See Wives, page 8
Questions about services?
Central Plains Area Agency on Aging/Sedgwick County Department on Aging: 1-855-200-2372
Sue Berk, pictured today and on the day in 1964 her husband, Terry, was promoted to captain. They were stationed in Germany at the time.
Butler County: (316) 775-0500 or 1-800-279-3655 Harvey County: (316) 284-6880 or 1-800-279-3655