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Vol 43 • No. 4
www.theactiveage.com Kansas’ Largest Newspaper
March 2022
A refuge rises
Nursing homes lag on staff vaccinations
Afghan refugees welcomed to new homes in Kansas
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By Mary Clarkin In a span of months last year, a 26-year-old Afghanistan native named Wissa flew from his homeland to Qatar, then to Germany, next to Virginia and finally to Wichita. Wissa fled the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan along with his parents and three younger brothers, who range in age down to 14. He did not choose Kansas and knew no one here, but he now knows most of his fellow Afghan refugees who were flown from a U.S. military base to Wichita. “We are like a community,” Wissa said. The federal government is helping resettle up to 95,000 Afghan refugees in the U.S., according to the State Department. Kansas is receiving about 650 of them, with 400 of those having
Linda Bode, left, and Kathy Sexton sort Rotary Club donations for Afghan refugees. Bode and her husband, John, made available storage space at their business, BRG Precision Products. arrived in Wichita by February. mat, too. It’s not only a government effort. A multicounty Rotary Club drive Organizations such as area Rotary is providing kitchenware, dinnerware, Clubs and Catholic Charities in See Refugee, page 6 Kansas are rolling out the welcome
The Active Age With less than a month to go, it appears unlikely that some area nursing homes will meet the federal government’s March 15 deadline for having all healthcare workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19. According to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, only four nursing homes in Sedgwick and Butler counties had achieved a 100% vaccination rate for their staffs by Feb. 10. They were Via Christi Village McClean, Via Christi Villa Ridge in Wichita, Derby Health & Rehabilitation and El Dorado Care and Rehab. No homes in Harvey County reported that all employees were vaccinated. At the other end of the spectrum were three homes reporting less than
See Vaccine, page 23
Boeing ‘gypsies’ moved between missile sites By Joe Stumpe DERBY — Myrna and Ray Messer knew they were doing something important for the nation's Minuteman nuclear missile defense program in the 1960s and 70s. Otherwise, they might not have been willing to pack up and move 15 times as part of a group who called themselves the “Boeing gypsies.” “Considering the amount of pressure that was put on us for scheduling and perfection, and technology and security, everybody was pretty well aware that they were a piece of the puzzle — and that they were necessary,” said Ray, who worked in construction management for Boeing. The truth is, the Derby couple enjoyed much of their wandering lifestyle, even with the added
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Members of a Minuteman crew pose in South Dakota. These employees were part of a working group that tried, but failed, to simulate a nuclear bomb exploding in the air. challenge of raising four young sons. “The people we traveled with became our family away from home,” Myrna said. The Air Force launched the Minuteman program in 1958 when
Central Plains Area Agency on Aging/Sedgwick County Department on Aging: 1-855-200-2372
the Cold War was at its peak. Boeing was selected to build, test and deploy the missiles, which were armed with nuclear warheads capable of reaching the Soviet Union across the ocean. The See Gypsies, page 9
Butler County: (316) 775-0500 or 1-800-279-3655 Harvey County: (316) 284-6880 or 1-800-279-3655
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March Briefs Cowboy concert
Eagle a keeper A golden eagle has been added to the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit in Central Riverside Park. The eagle was hit by a semi in 2021 and underwent surgery on his wing but can’t be released because he’ll never be fully capable of flight. “Keeper” was chosen as the raptor’s name in a contest on the exhibit’s Facebook page. The best time to view Keeper is during the daily noon feeding time.
Augusta legislative coffee The Butler County Farm Bureau Association and Go Augusta! Are hosting a legislative coffee from 9-11 The Delano Wind Ensemble is staging a concert inspired by the American West a.m. March 26 at the historic Augusta and its most iconic character, the cowboy. “Home on the Range,” “Shenandoah,” train depot, 618 State St. Kansas “Oklahoma!” and the theme from “The Magnificent Seven” are some of the pieces Senate President Ty Masterson and the group will play before finishing with John Phillip Sousa’s march “El Capitan.” Rep. Kristey Williams will answer The performance is at 3 p.m. March 6 at West Side Baptist Church, 304 S. questions. There’s no charge for the Seneca. There is no charge although a $10 donation is requested. event, which will also feature coffee and donuts.
What’s news?
Women artists The Ulrich Museum’s spring exhibition features a variety of pieces by women artists from near and far, including Finnish video artist Elija-Liisa Ahtila and Wichita artist Ann Resnick, whose Chapter & Verse is shown below. The free exhibit runs through May 7 at the museum on the campus of Wichita State University. An audio piece by Annabel Daou is showing at WSU’s Grace Memorial Chapel as part of the exhibition.
Heights reunion Wichita Heights class of ’72 will celebrate its 50th reunion Sept. 16-18. For more information, visit https:// heightsclassof72.myevent.com/
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March 2022
Giving of yourself the best gift of all By Tiya Tonn One of the most rewarding experiences available is the opportunity to impact the lives of others in a positive way through volunteering. The giving of time and talent is likely to improve the life of the giver, too. Volunteers often become healthier, not only from the positivity they feel but because volunteering actually reduces stress and anxiety, combats depression, helps with mental alertness and generates more movement. Volunteering is often a great way to learn a new skill — or share the skills and passion you already possess with
Dear Reader someone else. Volunteering has changed drastically in the last two years. Numbers radically dropped for many small nonprofits that rely heavily upon volunteers just as needs soared. Many organizations have become very imaginative and have made volunteering right from home a possibility through computers, telephones and other means. It won’t fill every need, but it can keep volunteers connected and assisting nonprofits when they need them the most. Be creative: If you have an idea how you could volunteer to help a nonprofit, contact them to start the conversation. You are needed.
Set the example and others may even follow. You’ll often read about volunteer opportunities in The Active Age because we believe they’re so valuable to the community and our readers.
As a small nonprofit, The Active Age could not survive without volunteers. Life can be fresh, exciting and full or new adventures and experiences at any age, and volunteering is one way to make sure it remains so. Butler County resident Tiya Tonn is a board member of The Active Age.
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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.
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Thank You Recent Donors! Christine Frangenberg Lola Fritzler James Fry Darrell Garrett Deborag Gerwick Celia Goering Linda Graham Wylma Graves Linda Green Judith Guzman Luetta Haas Kevin Harper Sandra Hart Elaine Harvey Connie Hayden Lenora Heath Kathy Henderson Marjorie Hensley Robert Hughes
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Dwight Oxley Robert Penn Sara Peters Kathy Poling Betty Pryor Linda Ralston Joe Randolph Robert Raux Gary Read Freda Remy Marie Reynolds Evelyn Richardson Carla Ridener Marilyn Rieken Diana Roberts Iris Siemens Bonnie Sommers Tim Souders Jacqueline Spain
Honor Roll of Donors Donna Berner James Burgess Latisha Burns Dixie Chapman Kim DeLong Marshall Ensz
Harry Feikert Jr. Barbara Jene Fisher Dale Foss Rosella Goering Charles Hamlett Sue Harper
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Donations made in Honor of Delores Burris Trenita Adamson Kay Carrol Dave Gear
These readers recently contributed $50 or more to the 2022 donation campaign.
New Active Age advertising manager is a familar face Teresa Schmied has returned to The Active Age as advertising manager. Schmied replaced Mike Parker, who left to take a job with the Vegas Voice in Las Vegas, Nev. Schmied previously served as advertising manager of The Active Age from 2013 to 2018. Prior to that, she worked in advertising sales with Pennypower and The Ark Valley News in Valley Center. Most recently, she has worked as an advertising coordinator for The Inside Coup and National Horseman magazine. Schmied has nine grandchildren under 10 years old and is an avid NASCAR fan. "We are excited to have Teresa back on the team," said Joe Stumpe, editor of The Active Age. "She did a great job for the paper when she was here before. She is skilled at helping
Editor’s note
Here at The Active Age, we appreciate every communication and donation we receive. But the one below seemed especially memorable.
A friend who speaks Vietnamese provided this translation: “Our English is poor, not able to read the newspaper. However, we will contribute so other people can have newspaper to read.”
Teresa Schmied advertisers reach their target audience with the right message." To contact Schmied, phone 316613-3547 or email her at teresa@theactiveage.com.
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March 2022
Photo by Mary Clarkin
Photo by Mark Chamberlin
Left: Scott Hannon helped organize aid to Afghan refugees. Right: Rotary Club members carry furniture into a home rented for refugees.
Refugees From Page 1
cookware and bathroom items to Afghans setting up households. Donations also include furniture, toys and appliances ranging from television screens to irons. Money generated by five Rotary Clubs in Wichita and Rotary Clubs in Andover, Derby, El Dorado, and Newton will purchase such goods as mattresses. “They have virtually nothing at all,” said Scott Hannon, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Andover and a retired pastor. “This is a start.” Kathy Sexton, the retired Derby city manager who coordinated the Rotary drive, said residents with connections to McConnell Air Force Base seem especially eager to help. “Those people have been like, ‘Tell me what I can do to help.’ They were there, they know that a lot of these people coming over here now were their interpreters, their drivers, their cooks and chefs and people who really helped them out.” History of help Aiding refugees fleeing persecution or hunger is part of the history of area organizations and congregations. Newton’s First Mennonite Church, founded in 1878, began helping refugees coming from Europe in the 1800s. More refugees came in the 1920s and ‘30s. In the 1970s and ‘80s, Catholic and Lutheran churches in Wichita sponsored hundreds of refugees from Vietnam and other southeast Asia countries. Southeast Asians now comprise about 2.4 percent of the city’s population, five times the national average. Smaller numbers of refugees from the Sudan, Congo, Central America and many other parts of the world have been welcomed here
as well. Today, the State Department has designated nine resettlement agencies across the country. Two agencies on that list — the International Rescue Committee and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — are providing a portal for Afghans resettling in Kansas. Wichita is one of 26 U.S. cities with an International Rescue Committee office. Founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein, the IRC is a nongovernmental organization that has helped refugees flee Nazi Germany, Communist regimes in Eastern Europe, Cuba and Asia, plus many other parts of the world suffering wars and other emergencies. Its Wichita office opened in 2011. Most other IRC offices are located in bigger cities on the coasts. The IRC office was expected to help up to 550 refugees from various countries during the fiscal year that started Oct. 1, 2021. Because of the influx of Afghan refugees, the number of refugees coming from other countries is expected to be less than originally envisioned. Still, the overall number of refugees resettled here by the IRC will set a record this year. The rising volume is one reason the IRC moved in early 2022 from space near Harry and Oliver to larger quarters at 420 S. Emporia. The new location also provides ground-floor storage for donated items. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas had helped settled 204 Afghan refugees by early February, and Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas was expected to reach its capacity of 46 refugees in February. IRC and Catholic Charities help refugees find jobs and educational opportunities as well as housing and other basic needs.
The Islamic Society of Wichita has helped new arrivals acclimate to the city. Eileen Farhat, refugee director of the Islamic Society of Wichita, said most of the refugees are “younger,” with the oldest she knew of being in their mid 40s. “Lots of kids,” Farhat said, mentioning one couple with 13 children. “When they move to the permanent places, we try to give them prayer books, Korans,” Farhat said. “Most can read the Arabic, they can read the Koran.” “They really like to come to our Friday prayer.” ‘Accept the challenges’ Wissa and his family, like many other Afghans, left their country in the summer of 2021 with not much more than the clothes they wore.
He has obtained a Social Security number and driver’s license, although he considers highways here — and the speedy traffic — a challenge. His English language skills improve daily. His family had the keys to a rental house in February but was staying in a hotel until some work to it could be completed. Wissa worked in a bank in Afghanistan but is flexible about what kind of job he might get in Kansas. “You should accept the challenges and do your best,” he said. As for Kansas, he said he loves it. The Afghan refugees are a mix. Some aided the U.S. military mission, working as interpreters, drivers and cooks. Other refugees are women who were active in women’s rights organizations or in education. All felt their lives or freedom could be in peril See next page
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under Taliban rule. The new arrivals are concerned for family members in Afghanistan. Wissa did not provide his last name out of consideration for the safety of those in Afghanistan. There isn’t a petition process in place for refugees to get relatives out. They themselves are not guaranteed citizenship here. When the Wichita City Council approved an amendment last October to help Afghans obtain housing voucher assistance, Mayor Brandon Whipple observed that the refugees were “not only homeless but also nationless.” Many Afghans have only temporary status in the U.S. They must apply for asylum or some other status to remain. In Wichita, the IRC will hire legal assistance to help the Afghan refugees with their status. The IRC has put out a call for additional donations and volunteers to drive refugees to appointments, teach them English and more. Morgan Palace, refugee manager at the Wichita IRC office, said it’s difficult to overstate how much help refugees need. “Stand in your living room. Do a 360. Floor to ceiling, that’s what (they) need” — along with items from every other room in a house. Sexton said the Rotary drive, which was coordinated with the IRC, helped some members who faced the challenge of downsizing at home. “As you go out and explain this, you just see the eyes light up. ‘Oh, I have extra pots and pans in the back of the cabinet,’” Sexton said. Rotary Club focuses on international as well as local projects, she said, “and this just seemed to have a flavor of both.” Contact Mary Clarkin at mary.e.clarkin@gmail.com.
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Donations of housewares and more sought
The Rotary donation drive is over, but the Wichita office of the International Rescue Committee is still seeking donations to provide refugees with dishes, furniture, appliances and basic housewares. IRC also helps them find homes, jobs, English classes and more. Beginning March 1, donations can be brought to the IRC’s new warehouse at 420 S. Emporia, Suite 220, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The IRC is also looking for volunteers to help the refugees. For more information or to volunteer, call 316-3515495. Dinnerware kit — 8 place settings of dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, drinking glasses, mugs/tea cups and silverware. Kitchen kit — 3 mixing bowls, 3 or more kitchen knives, 3 cutting boards, 3 plastic or glass storage containers, a can opener, dish drying rack, wooden or metal cooking utensils, 2 oven mitts, 2 towels. Cookware kit — 3 or more pots and pans, a stockpot, bakeware and tea kettle. Bathroom kit — Shower curtain, curtain rod and shower hooks, toilet brush and plunger, toothbrush holder and wastebasket. Additionally, donations of the following items are requested for refugees (an asterisk denotes that the item must be new). They are part of the apartment set-up used to welcome arrivals. Toys Soccer balls Puzzles Picture books Dolls (black & brown dolls preferred) Stuffed animals Cars Coloring books Crayons* Play-Doh* Blocks Art supplies* Furniture Bed frames in twin,full, queen Mattresses* Dining table & chairs Sofa Dresser Coffee table End table
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Unleash the hounds at your own risk By Ted Blankenship My wife and I live in a Bel Aire independent living complex where there are dogs everywhere — out being walked, taken for a toilet run or just being their cute selves. They’re always on a leash of course, because that’s the rule. When you live in the country, dog ownership is different. They dearly love to bring opossums and raccoons home. Long-dead ones are their favorites. I have nothing against opossums and raccoons as long as they’re alive in the woods and not
dead on my front porch. Some dogs would rather bring a chicken home. Too often, the chicken is very much alive. You’ll want to know which neighbor the chicken belongs to and how big he is. The neighbor, that is. He’ll likely tell you he’s going to shoot your dog the next time it happens. Be relieved it’s not you he’s going to do away with.
Then there are times when your dog will decide to eat his ranker finds instead of bringing them home — the canine equivalent of fast food. You’ll be faced with the dog owner’s dilemma: The dog is going to need pills, and you’ll have to get them down his or her throat. Your dog will appear eager to eat the pill but will find ways to avoid it while happily licking your face. Try not to remember what the dog has just eaten. You will have to outsmart the dog. But this has never happened because dogs are born with ways of craftily
‘On Animals’ not just for critter lovers “On Animals,” by Susan Orlean (Avid Reader Press, 2021, 237 pages, $28.00)
By Ted Ayres Susan Orlean is one of my favorite writers, and that kind of enthusiasm for her work is widespread. A staff writer for The New Yorker magazine since 1992, Orlean was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard in 2003 and received a Guggenhiem Fellowship in 2014. Having enjoyed two of her previous books — “Rin Tin Tin, The Life of a Legend” (2011) and “The Library Book” (2018) — I was happy to find a copy of her latest work at the bookstore (and autographed at that).
March Theatre By Diana Morton Forum Theatre, at the Wilke Center, First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway. Words & Music: Girls Sing Elvis. The Forum’s female performers interpret songs by Elvis Presley and early rhythm and blues performers, with plenty of dancing thrown in. 8 pm Sat, Mar 19, 2 pm Sun, Mar 20. Tickets $23-$25. 316-618-0444 Mosley Street Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley. Titanic on the Plains by Carol Hughes. A new Musical Comedy Review follows featuring the music of
March 2022 avoiding what they don’t consider food. A favorite human trick is to bury the pill in a weenie. It should work. If a dog will eat a long-dead opossum, why not a weenie fresh from the refrigerator? It's because the average dog’s nose has 125 million scent receptors while a human nose has a measly five million. A Dachshund can sniff out drugs, dead bodies, bed bugs, explosives and other stuff while some humans think onions smell like garlic. So, detecting a pill in a weenie is as easy for any dog free of a head cold. Contact Ted at tblankenship218@ gmail.com. with Orlean’s description of leaving a farm in the Hudson Valley: “I had reveled in the animals’ friendship and their strangeness; the way they are so obvious and still so mysterious; their colors and textures, their fur and feathers; the sounds and smells of their presence. I liked the way their needs set the rhythm of every day, and how caring for them felt elemental and essential.” Contact Ted Ayres at ted.ayres@ shockers.wichita.edu.
“On Animals” is a collection of articles that Orlean penned for The New Yorker, The Atlantic and The Smithsonian Magazine between February 20, 1995 and June 28, 2020, with some updating for the book. The book is about animals and the people who love them, care for them, train them, work with them and even stuff them. Mules, homing pigeons, oxen, lions, rabbits, pandas, killer whales, donkeys, cats, dogs and turkeys are a few of the species Orleans delves into. Orlean writes that animals “have always been my style. They have been a part of my life even when I didn’t have any animals, and when I did have them, they always seemed to elbow
their way onto center stage.” I think non-animal lovers will appreciate the book as well. Many of the stories deal with Orlean’s personal experiences as a cat lover, “chicken rancher” and all-around animal person. But she also takes her readers to places such as Jackson, N.J., to meet a woman who kept two dozen tigers in her backyard; Bridgeport, Calif., where U.S. and foreign military personnel learn how to use pack animals in war; Cienfuegos, Cuba, to meet a team of oxen; and Springfield, Il., home of the 2003 World Taxidermy Championships. There are too many endearing stories of amazing animals to list in the space I have here, so let me just close
Pink, The Beatles, Hall & Oates, Amy Winehouse and many more. Dinner 6:15 pm, show begins 7:50 pm. nowMar 19. Tickets $24-$38; Show only, $20. 316-263-0222
of 40 years forms the arc of the story. Thu-Sat, 8:00 pm, Sun, 2 pm, Now – Mar 6. Tickets $20-$30. 316-2654400
Roxy’s Downtown. It remains the longest running Gridiron in the nation. Mar 17-19, 8:00 pm. Tickets $20-$30. 316-265-4400
GRIDIRON, The annual satirical romp produced by The Society of Professional Journalists returns to
Contact Diana Morton at dianamorton12@sbcglobal.net
Roxy’s Downtown, 412 ½ E. Douglas, cabaret-style theatre. THE COLOR PURPLE the Musical. With a score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, this is a story of hope and a celebration of life. It was nominated for eleven 2006 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score. Based on the Oscar winning movie of the same name, it spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course
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Gypsies From Page 1
missile was tested successfully in 1961, and the first one was installed the next year during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when President Kennedy referred to it as his “ace in the hole” during that confrontation with the Soviets. Eventually, the program grew to 1,000 missiles housed at six sites in five states — Montana, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming — that had been chosen for strategic reasons. The Messers lived in all of them, usually more than once. Ray was hired by Boeing as a missile technician for the site near Minot, N.D., in 1964. The Messers had three boys by the time they were transferred to another site in Grand Forks, N.D. They lived in a trailer court set up by Boeing on the air base, which became a common occurrence because of the lack of available housing. “Everybody preferred a house, but to throw 500 families into an area, that pretty much fills up the housing,” Ray said. “If we could find houses to rent, we did.” The construction crews that Messer worked on generally consisted of about 200 men, but there were many other types of workers involved as well. “It was a very, very complex coordination program that Boeing was running,” Messer said. Because of its nature, it required tight security. The FBI talked to neighbors and questioned Messer about the changing of his last name (he was adopted as a teen) before he was given secret clearance. Messer was further “nuclear two-man certified,” meaning he could be in a nuclear missile silo with just one other person. For that, he remembered, “I even had to spend an hour with a psychiatrist. When I left I thought, ‘I’m more sane than that guy.’” Ray’s next transfer was to Rapid City, S.D., followed by a return to Grand Forks (where the Messers found the same trailer waiting) and moves to Cheyenne, Wyo., Minot (again) and Grand Forks (again). From 1969-71, Ray took a break from the Minuteman program to work for Boeing in Fort Worth. Then it was back to the Minuteman program, Minot and Rapid City, where the Messers were lucky to be out of town during the
Photo by Joe Stumpe
Ray and Myrna Messer moved 15 times due to Ray's job with Boeing. He often worked in restricted areas (above left), but the couple made many friends among his co-workers and their wives (above right). catastrophic flood of 1972. Transfers to Cheyenne, Minot, Great Falls, Mont., Lewiston, Mont., and Sedalia, Mo., followed. “One son, we moved four different times while I was pregnant,” Myrna said. “Our kids, for all practical purposes, when they went into a school, they had friends already”
among other Boeing families, Ray added. The Messers had no problems making friends with others working on the Minuteman program as well as locals with no connection to it. Myrna, an athlete since her childhood, played on softball teams made up of Boeing wives, was active in her sons’ schools and served on the board of
Win ‘Boeing Gypsies’ book with memories Boeing was Wichita’s biggest employer for decades. Send us your favorite memory of working there, and we’ll enter your name in a drawing for a signed copy of “The Boeing Gypsies” by Myrna Messer. Please keep entries to 300 words or less. To enter, mail your memory to The Active Age, 125 S. West St., Wichita, KS, 67213, or email joe@ theactiveage. Please put “Boeing” in the subject line. www.theactiveage.com
the Cheyenne YMCA. The Messers bowled, danced, held backyard barbecues and attended state fairs wherever they lived. “The hunting and fishing in all of the places was quite spectacular,” Ray noted. The Messers say they enjoyed all the places they lived, with perhaps Wyoming being the most memorable because of the scenery and the Dakotas the least comfortable because of the winter weather. But as natives of North Dakota, they were used to that. Many of the friends they made along the way had come from Boeing in Wichita, even though that plant was not involved in assembling Minuteman missiles. In 1980, ready to settle down in one spot, Ray was given the choice of finishing his career with Boeing in Seattle, Utah, California or Wichita. “We had never heard of Derby but we heard about the Derby schools, so we said, ‘We’ll got to Derby,’” Ray said. They weren’t alone: Ray and Sue Bitel, Norm and Mary Lou Wagner, Frank and Eva Arias, Allen and Judy Russell, Kirk Kefler and Travis Smith are other members of the Minuteman crews and their wives who settled here. It was largely for those friends and other former co-workers and their families that Myrna recently wrote a book called “The Boeing Gypsies.” With extra time due to the pandemic, she contacted them to ask for memories and photographs of their times together. The book draws them together, focusing more on social and familial experiences than on the Minuteman work, important as that was to the nation. The book costs $20 and can be ordered online or by emailing myrnamesser@cox.net. “The technical aspect of it is pretty well documented in various places,” Myrna said. “We wanted to remember our days moving around, what we did and how we did them — the human aspect. We talk about the Boeing kids moving around with us. Well, those kids are now 50 and 60 years old, and they’re the ones who are really enjoying reading it.”
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the active age
March 2022
Major blooper
Encounter with local TV idol not exactly as planned
cracker, but don’t eat it right away,” Major Astro instructed the chosen five as he handed out the crackers. “When I say ‘Go,’ eat the cracker as fast as you can. The first one who finishes and can whistle gets a prize. Ready… set… go!” I chewed my cracker quickly but made the tactical error of only partially swallowing it. Nonetheless, I tugged on the Major’s spacesuit and sputtered as best I could “I’m ready.” Major Astro squatted down next to me, his head only inches from mine. “OK, let me hear you whistle,” he said. I took a deep breath, puckered my lip — and blew pasty chunks of half-chewed cracker onto his rugged face. Several nearby children laughed as Major Astro, ever the trouper and undoubtedly experienced with such
childish mishaps, casually brushed the crumbs from his face, stood up and looked down at me. “I don’t think you were ready,” he said with a smile before turning to the other competitors. An assistant handed me a glossy eight-by-ten autographed picture of the Major. I melted back into the crowd of youngsters, mortified that I’d not just blown my first interaction with a TV star but had given his face a saltine stucco. I was sure that someone at the TV station that carried Major Astro would know who I was and kick me out of the Space Patrol. None of that happened, of course, and the show was right where it should be when I tuned in Channel 3 for his program the following Monday. I remained a loyal viewer until one day
March quiz: Double letter geography By Nancy Wheeler Identify the geographical feature described that has at least one double letter sequence in its name. The answers appear at the end. 1. Stretching from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, this is one of the longest rivers on the North American continent. 2. Capital of the mountainous northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, this city hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972. 3. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada, this town shares its name with a National Park that features Lake
Louise. 4. This capital of New Zealand sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. 5. The capital of this state, Nashville, is the heart of the country music scene with the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. 6. Known for its ski resorts and tax haven status, this tiny country sits between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. 7. This Texas city is home to Texas Tech University where Patrick Mahomes set many passing records as a college quarterback. 8. This Missouri state capital is
named after a U.S. President. 9. Although home to the third largest city in the United States, this state’s capital is actually Springfield. 10. A frequent stop on Caribbean cruises, this port is the capital of the Bahamas. 11. This Austrian capital lies on the Danube River; its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. 12. This western Pacific nation is comprised of 7,640 islands, and its capital is Manila. 13. Originally settled by Polynesians, this island nation was
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discovered by Captain James Cook in 1778, and within five years King Kamehameha had unified these islands under one name. 14. Across the Strait of Gibraltar lies a North African country most famously known for the cities of Marrakesh and Casablanca. Answers 8. Jefferson City 9. Illinois 10. Nassau 11. Vienna 12. Philippines 13. Hawaii 14. Morocco
Courtesy photo
Major Astro, played by Tom Leahy, enthralled youngsters across Kansas through the 1960s and part of the '70s and '80s.
I wasn’t. Major Astro had become a show for little kids and I’d become far too worldly for that. The show aired on KARD-TV, the flagship of the Kansas State Network, a collection of smaller stations throughout the state that mostly carried programming from the Wichita mother ship, giving the Major a statewide audience. It remained on the air on KSN until 1973. The show had a revival on another Wichita station in the mid-80s, with the Major delivering his final message from his space station in 1989. Tom Leahy died in 2010, leaving a lasting legacy, and not just as the Major. A friend who worked with him in Wichita broadcasting for years calls him “the kindest man ever.” I wonder how many of his estimated 200,000 Major Astro Space Patrol members ended up pursuing a career in aerospace because of their TV astronaut hero. I found a clip of Major Astro’s signature signoff on the Internet, even though I could have easily recited the words he used to close his show each day without it. Viewed through the lens of adulthood, it would be easy to consider his sentiments corny and sappy. To we adults of a certain age, they might even sound like whistling past that great space station in the sky. But during these often-graceless times we find ourselves in, maybe they’re also just what we need. “See you tomorrow, when everything will be A-OK and all systems will be go! Happy orbits, boys and girls!" Patrick Palmer is a Wichita native who worked in the news business and corporate communications until retiring in 2018. He now lives in southern California. pfpal@yahoo.com.
1. Mississippi 2. Sapporo 3. Banff 4. Wellington 5. Tennessee 6. Andorra 7. Lubbock
By Patrick Palmer I recently found myself in an online exchange about local TV shows of our youth. Of course, that brought up memories of my after-grade school favorite, Major Astro. The concept of the show that debuted in 1960 took advantage of the nation’s burgeoning interest in the space race, along with Wichita’s rich history of aviation and aerospace. Tom Leahey played the titular host, an astronaut living on a remote space station. Major Astro’s spacesuit and set had a homemade look, typical of a low-budget local show, but that didn’t matter as I watched each afternoon on the small black-and-white television in our living room. The Major’s daily mission was communicating with the children of earth, introducing cartoons such as The Mighty Hercules, Felix the Cat and Astro Boy. I still remember the theme songs to each of them. A four-cent postcard to the TV station with your name and address was all it took to join the Major Astro Space Patrol and get the cypher key for the secret coded communiques from space he would show. I carried my card proudly, treating it as a sacred pass into an exclusive society. When I was around seven, I begged my parents to take me to meet Major Astro in person at a special Saturday gathering of the Space Patrol at the Boulevard Plaza, an open-air mall on the city’s southeast side. We arrived about the same time as Major Astro, so I had to scramble and squirm my way through the crowd of crewcuts and pigtails to get to the front and be in the Major’s line of sight. I waved frantically when he called for five volunteers to be in the first contest of the day and was beyond thrilled to be chosen. “I’m going to give each of you a
March 2022
the active age
Page 11
Tax preparers are not all alike, says BBB
Better Business Bureau According to the IRS, this year there are around 780,000 accountants, lawyers, and enrolled agents with IRSissued identifications for submitting tax returns on someone’s behalf. If you are among the millions of Americans who rely on such help with your federal income tax filing, it’s time to select a tax preparer. Some tax terms • PTIN – Any paid tax preparer is required to have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number. A good first question to ask any preparer you are considering, is whether they have one. If not, they are illegally preparing your taxes. • Enrolled Agent (EA) – This is a tax preparer who has IRS approval to represent taxpayers. They should either have had qualifying employment by
the IRS or pass an intensive two-day exam of federal taxation. They should also have completed a background check. Additionally, they must have completed a specified number of credit hours annually in accounting and tax regulations. They may specialize in an area of tax law so you should assess whether your needs match their specialty. They are usually less expensive than the next two categories. • CPAs – Certified Public Accountants have a college degree or the equivalent work experience. They are highly skilled in accounting and must have passed a state professional qualifying exam. They are a good choice if your taxes are complex, but they charge more than basic tax preparers. • Attorneys – Those needing to
legally shelter part of their income or requiring technical advice regarding municipal bonds or things like estate planning, may need to hire an attorney. • Non-Credentialed tax preparers – These preparers may work parttime or only during tax season. They must have a PTIN from the IRS, but in Kansas there are not licensed or required to take an annual exam. Tips on making a selection • Watch out for promises of big refunds. These promises usually indicate shady methods in use. Be cautious of “refund anticipation loans”
and understand any fees that may be involved. • Remember that only EAs, CPAs and attorneys can represent you when audited – non-credentialed tax preparers cannot represent you. • Get referrals from friends if needed. • Ask about all fees and charges in advance. Time is of the essence during tax season if you want to avoid the nightmare of having an identity thief then file a fraudulent tax return in your name. File as early as possible and as safely by using the above tips.
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Page 12
the active age
March 2022
Teacher loved school, and students loved her By Barbara Hammond If there’s such a thing as a born teacher, Elfrieda Shellenberger was it. “As a very young girl, I would line up my dolls and play school with them,” she told me. “I would teach them the Sunday School lesson. And I even had a little grade book where I would mark their tardies and absences.” Miss Shellenberger was my English Literature teacher at East High in 1960. I recently discovered that she still lives in Wichita. Because she was a teacher that some of my classmates and I remember well, I inquired at her senior care residence about meeting her for a short visit. She celebrated her 101st birthday on Dec. 24 and does not receive visits from long-ago acquaintances often, so it was necessary to work with her family. Happily, they agreed to help. Elfrieda Mae Shellenberger was born in 1920. She was the oldest of five children who grew up in what are now Wichita’s North Riverside and Midtown neighborhoods. She attended North High School and was very active in school organizations. Raised in a devout family, she chose BethanyPeniel College in Bethany, Okla., for higher education. She graduated in 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later earned a Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Wisconsin and was hired to teach English at Wichita High School East. She was also named curriculum coordinator in the secondary English field by the Board of Education. Her mission was to revise teaching methods
at that level. In an amusing side note to that project, the Wichita Eagle published a short article on January 10, 1957, under the heading, “It Always Happens.” It recounted how Shellenberger was discussing spelling with the Wichita Council on Education when she noticed a misspelled error in a handout written by a consultant from the University of Kansas. She had a keen eye. Many of us in Class of '60 attest to how she influenced our studies and careers. In talking to other former classmates about her, I heard comments like, “She was my favorite teacher of all time,” “I found she had a quick wit which surprised me at times,” and, “What a gift she was to all of us who enjoyed her English Literature class!” In an email correspondence, her niece, Becky Shellenberger of Wichita, had this to say about her aunt: “In recent years, I have come to learn that Elfrieda was very respected and very well liked by students and other teachers. I believe she made her students learn in her classes. She always worked hard and never left any chore undone.” Another niece, Judy Nash, brought to my attention a speech that thenSecretary of Defense Robert Gates (East High class of ’61) made at the 2009 East High graduation ceremony. Gates named six teachers who had influenced him, including Elfrieda Shellenberger. He referred to her as one of those teachers who “opened his
eyes to the world … and was a model of decency and character.” According to Miss Shellenberger, one of the most rewarding aspects of having been a teacher is that she has met many former students since she retired. She said she’d been recognized in odd places “all over the world” while travelling with teacher friends. And, of course, in Wichita many approach her to chat when they see her. She treasures the cards and letters that she receives from former students. In 1986, when Elfrieda Shellenberger retired from her job as Chair of the English Department Courtesy photo at East High, she had Barbara Hammond recently met with Elfrieda completed 36 years Shellenberger, her English Literature teacher at East High in 1960. On the opposite page is See next page a photo of Shellenberger in the 1960 yearbook.
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March 2022 with the Wichita public schools plus seven in other school districts. “I have had mixed feelings about leaving,” she told the Wichita Eagle-Beacon. “I will very much miss the involvement with students, other teachers and personnel, the professionalism, the committee work, and the total involvement." Shellenberger said she had a lot of things to do, but didn't plan to forget about the field to which she devoted so many years. And so she did have a lot of things to do. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, was active in its Bible study and missionary committee and served many years as secretary to the church board. She belonged to the Wichita Art Museum, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and Botanica. She had season tickets to Music Theater of Wichita and attended with a friend who had “connections” that allowed them to go backstage. Of course, she loved reading and still does. Biographies and stories about the pioneer life are favorite topics. She participates in exercise
the active age classes, bingo, and enjoys the social atmosphere of mealtimes at her assisted living residence. She has always enjoyed a close relationship with her family and loves gatherings with them. Her many nieces, nephews and their children look forward to these occasions, too. With a big smile, she said that they have many questions for her and they call her the family historian. On the day in February that I visited with Elfrieda Shellenberger, I found her to be just a slightly older version of the woman I knew so many years ago. She has a quick, broad smile and a strong, resonant voice. She tires more easily but still personifies the poised teacher that directed our discussions of whatever book we were reading in English Lit and marked up our papers in English Comp.
Celebrations 100th birthday
Wanda Elaine Smith Burrow celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 18. Wanda was the fourth of eight children born to Marvin and Lizzie Smith in Cold Springs, Okla. She grew up on a farm, earned an education degree from Wichita State University and worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at the beginning of World War II. She went on to teach elementary school 35 years in Wichita, winning an excellence in teaching award in 1967. She was married to her husband, Russel, from 1941 until his death in 2012. They had two children, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She stayed busy not only teaching school but also choir at church and Sunday school. She was a choir soloist,
Page 13 played piano and was a leader in women’s organizations. Her hobbies include china painting, cooking, canning and sewing. Birthday wishes may be sent to 760 N. Toh N Hah Trail Wichita, KS 67212.
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March 2022
Debunking 5 common myths about gout Family Features When many people think of gout, they often picture swelling and pain in the big toe. However, gout — an extremely painful form of inflammatory arthritis — can occur in any joint when high levels of uric acid in the blood lead to the formation of urate crystals. If your body creates too much uric acid or cannot clear uric acid properly, you may experience sudden and sometimes severe gout attacks, called flare-ups, that include pain, swelling or redness in your joints. The condition can disrupt many aspects of daily living, including work and leisure or family activities. Because the kidneys filter and release uric acid, people with kidney disease are more likely to experience a buildup of urate crystals and, therefore, gout. In fact, 1 out of 10 people with chronic kidney disease have gout, and an even higher percentage of people with gout have kidney disease. To help debunk some myths around the condition, the American Kidney Fund, in partnership with Horizon Therapeutics, created the “Goutful” education campaign, which aims to educate and empower patients with gout to help them live easier and prevent further health complications, especially relating to their kidneys.
Consider these common myths: Myth 1: Gout is rare. Gout is a relatively common condition. More than 8 million Americans have gout, and it is the most common form of arthritis in men over 40. Myth 2: Gout is a man’s disease. Anyone can get gout, but it’s more common in men than women. Though men are 10 times more likely to develop gout, rates of gout even out after age 60 since gout tends to develop for women after menopause. Myth 3: Only people who are obese get gout. People of all sizes can develop gout. Though people who are obese are at higher risk, gout is more common in people who have other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or kidney disease. Others more at risk for gout are males 30-50 years old, Asians, Pacific Islanders, black people, people with a family history of gout, people with organ transplants and people exposed to lead. Myth 4: Gout eventually goes away on its own. Symptoms of gout attacks often go away within a few days, but that doesn’t mean gout is gone. Even if you don’t feel symptoms, urate crystals can build up beneath the surface, which can cause long-term health problems
like joint and kidney damage. Myth 5: There are things you can eat to prevent or cure gout. Certain foods may help decrease the level of uric acid in your body, but diet alone is not a cure for gout. People with gout who follow healthy diets may still need medicine to prevent flare-ups and lower uric acid levels. Alcohol and foods rich in purines, especially red meat and seafood, should be avoided if you are prone to gout.
If you think you might have gout, talk with your doctor or a gout specialist about your symptoms. Visit kidneyfund.org/gout to learn more about gout and kidney disease.
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LIVING IT at Larksfield
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Friendship Lamps, which were featured in an article in our February issue, can be purchased at the Women’s Initiative Network, 510 E. Third St., from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. MondayFriday. They sell for $59 each and come in different styles.
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Central Wichita 739 W 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67203 (316)262-6703
Derby 824 N Baltimore Ave, Derby, KS 67037 (316)425-0057
Must purchase 2 drinks. BREAKFAST, LUNCH BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER AND DINNER
Wichita West 9125 W Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67212 (316)779-8700
Central Wichita 739 W 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67203 (316)262-6703
Derby 824 N Baltimore Ave, Derby, KS 67037 (316)425-0057
Wichita West 9125 W Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67212 (316)779-8700 Central Wichita 739 W 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67203 (316)262-6703 Derby 824 N Baltimore Ave, Derby, KS 67037 (316)425-0057
Page 17
My husband can’t drive anymore, I take him where he needs to go.
I am a Caregiver CPAAA is here to help guide older adults and caregivers by providing information, assistance and support. 855-200-2372 • CPAAA.org
Veterans and surviving spouses of Veterans 65+ can receive up to $2,200/month for in-home care! Call us today at (316) 448-6287 to see if you qualify!
www.wholelifewichita.com
Get the Family Caregiving Support You Need WITH RESOURCES IN KANSAS
No matter where you are in your caregiving journey, having resources at your fingertips will make it easier. The AARP Kansas Family Caregiver Resource Guide includes programs, services and agencies as well as tools and support for everything from health, legal and financial assistance to respite care. To order a print copy of the guide, call the AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 1-877-333-5885 and request the Kansas Family Caregiver Resource Guide. Or, order the guide online at aarp.org/caregiverresources. /aarpks
@aarpks
www.theactiveage.com
Page 18
the active age
NOTE TO READERS: The Active Age has experienced some problems with our mailing list for subscribers recently. If you have not received an issue or have received duplicate issues, please contact us by calling (316) 942-5385 or emailing joe@theactiveage.com.
Wichita’s Original Gourmet Coffee Roaster
Spice Merchant
March 2022
So that patients and families can focus on quality time together and living life as well as possible.
When Quality Of Life Matters Most www.hynesmemorial.org
Your Community Hospice
Serving and Caring Since 1983
(316) 265Ͳ9441
Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm 4 Blocks East Douglas Saturday 9:00on am - 5:00 pm
Open Something Monday - Friday 9am - 5:30pm & Saturday 9am - 5pm special for Mom or Dad
Spices • Tea • Gifts
1300 E. Douglas | (316) 263-4121
GET YOUR TAXES DONE FOR FREE! Make less than $60,000? Our IRS-certified volunteers are ready to help you file your taxes fast and FREE.
DIAL 2-1-1 TO SCHEDULE YOUR DROP-OFF OR IN-PERSON APPOINTMENT.
• IRS-certified volunteers prepare your taxes and identify tax credits you’re eligible for. • Locations across Wichita and Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Geary and Marion counties. CDC guidelines and local health orders will be followed at sites. • Last year, we filed 6,364 returns that generated over $7.6 million in refunds. • Questions? Dial 2-1-1.
FILE ONLINE AT GETYOURREFUND.ORG/BEST–UWP. • It’s easy, safe and secure!
www.theactiveage.com
March 2022
the active age
Page 19
The Active Age needs your help updating our calendar! Please call Joe at 316-942-5385 or email joe@theactiveage.com with your current schedule.
Calendar of Events Sedgwick County Senior Centers
Note to readers: Senior center schedules and other events normally listed on this page are expected to be affected by the coronavirus through March. For information, call the numbers listed below. BEL AIRE 7651 E Central Park Ave 744-2451, ext 121 www.belaireks.org BENTLEY/EAGLE 504 W Sterling, 796-0027 CHENEY 516 Main, 542-3721 CLEARWATER 921 E Janet, 584-2332 DERBY 611 N Mulberry Rd, 788-0223 www.derbyks.com DOWNTOWN 200 S Walnut, 267-0197 www.seniorservicesofwichita.org EDGEMOOR 5815 E 9th, 688-9392
GARDEN PLAIN 1006 N Main, 535-1155 GODDARD 120 N Main, 794-2441 HAYSVILLE 160 E Karla, 529-5903 KECHI Kechi City Building, 744-0217, 744-1271 LA FAMILIA 841 W 21st, 267-1700 LINWOOD 1901 S Kansas, 263-3703 www.seniorservicesofwichita.org MCADAMS GOLDEN AGE 1329 E 16th, 337-9222 MT HOPE 105 S Ohio, 667-8956
Butler County Senior Centers ANDOVER 410 Lioba Dr, 733-4441 www.andoverks.com AUGUSTA 640 Osage, 775-1189
CASSODAY Cassoday Senior Center 133 S. Washington, 620-735-4538
BENTON Lion’s Community Bldg, S Main St
EL DORADO 210 E 2nd, 321-0142
DOUGLASS 124 W 4th, 746-3227
Senior Wednesdays
NOTE: SOME SENIOR WEDNESDAY PROGRAMMING FOR MARCH WAS UNAVAILABLE AS THE ACTIVE AGE WENT TO PRESS.
1:30 pm Museum of World Treasures 835 E. 1st St. Information unavailable. MARCH 9 10 am Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Blvd. (316) 2668213, $4 Love is in the Air.
de Wichita: Learn about Wichita's Hispanic and Latinx community with WSU Spanish professor Enrique Navarro. MARCH 16 10 am Ulrich Museum of Art, 1845 N. Fairmount. Information unavailable. MARCH 23 10 am Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main. Art deco on the Plains.
Dances
Derby Sr Center, 611 Mulberry. El Dorado Jam & Dance, Senior Center, 210 E 2nd. Goldenrod Golden Age, 1340 S Pattie. Linwood Golden Age, 1901 S Kansas.
Park City Sr Center, 6100 N Hydraulic. 1st and 3rd Saturday 7-9:30 p.m. Info: 755-1060 Prairie Wind Dancers: Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N Clifton. Joyce, 683-1122.
Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S Clifton. Info: Nick, 529-2792.
Mulvane, 101 E. Main (Pix Community Center Second Tuesday of every month at 7-9pm.
Westside Steppers Square Dance, 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at the Sedgwick County Extension Building at 21st and Ridge Road. Inf: Sheldon Lawrence (316) 648-7590.
Oaklawn Activity Center cafeteria, 4904 S Clifton. Info: iamgary48@yahoo.com.
Wichita Solos Square Dance, For Info email: Curtis, wichitasolos@yahoo.com.
Minisa Golden Age, 704 W 13th. Info 617-2560.
Orchard Park Golden Age, 4808 W 9th.
OAKLAWN 2937 Oaklawn Dr, 524-7545 ORCHARD PARK 4808 W 9th, 942-2293 seniorservicesofwichita.org PARK CITY 6100 N Hydraulic, 744-1199 VALLEY CENTER VC Community Center 314 E Clay, 755-7350
LEON 112 S Main, 745-9200 or 742-9905 ROSE HILL 207 E Silknitter, 776-0170 TOWANDA 317 Main, 776-8999 Open 10:30 am-5 pm Mon, Wed, Fri WHITEWATER Legion Hall, 108 E Topeka
BURRTON 124 N Burrton, 620-463-3225
HALSTEAD 523 Poplar, 835-2283 HESSTON Randall & Main, 620-327-5099 www.hesstonseniorcenter.com GRAND CENTRAL 122 E 6th, Newton, 283-2222 www.grandcentralseniorcenter.com SEDGWICK 107 W. Fifth, 772-0393
Transportation Sedgwick County
1:30 pm Advanced Learning Library, 711 W, 2nd, (316) 261-8500, Free. Somos
Augusta Sr Center, 640 Osage. . Info: 755-1060
www.seniorservicesofwichita.org
Harvey County
www.seniorwednesday.org
MARCH 2 10:30amWichita Art Museum 1400 W. Museum Blvd., $2 admission. American art deco gallery exploration. in-person only.
MULVANE 632 E Mulvane, 777-4813 NORTHEAST 2121 E 21st, 269-4444
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 AVAILBALE THROUGH PICK UP AND DELIVERY IF NECESSARY. FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MEAL SITE OR CALL 316-681-4440
Friendship Meals Aging Projects serves a hot, nutritious meal weekdays for persons 60 and older in Sedgwick, Harvey and Butler counties. Reservations are necessary. For locations and reservations, call 620-669-8201. WEEK OF MARCH 1 Tue: Speghetti w/meat sauce, broccoli, peaches, garlic bread. Wed: Tuna noodle cass. w/peas, combination salad, banana, gingerbread. Thu: Chicken salad on bun, vegetable soup, crackers, sunshine salad, pears. Fri: Cheesy potato egg bake, green beans, strawberries, juice, coffee cake. WEEK OF MARCH 7 Mon: Oven fried chicken, corn tomato casserole, broccoli, peaches,roll. Tue: Chili, crackers, combination salad, banana, cinnamon roll. Wed: Southwest chicken bake, cauliflower, applesauce, cornbread. Thu: Open face beef roast sandwich, mashed potatoes w/gravy, green beans, mixed fruit, white cake. Fri: . Tuna patty w/tartar sauce, creamed peas & pot, pineapple, gelatin, wheat roll WEEK OFMARCH 14 Mon: Meatloaf, cabbage au gratin, savory green beans, mixed fruit, roll. Tue: Easy beef stroganoff, parslied carrots, strawberries, vanilla pudding, roll. Wed:Chicken fajita salad, corn, pineapple, banana muffin Thu: Turkey pot pie, biscuit, cole slaw, applesauce, snickerdoodle cookie. Fri: .Pimento cheese spread on bun, cream of tomato soup, crackers, potato wedges, spiced peaches. WEEK OF MARCH 21 Mon: Turkey & noodles, stewed tomatos, pears, easy cobbler, bread. Tue: Liver & onions in gravy or beef cutlets in gravy, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, green beans, mixed fruit,roll. Wed: Ham sandwich w/bun, potato soup, crackers, broccoli, peaches. Thu: Chicken pasta salad, pickled beets, mandarin oranges, butterscotch pudding, roll. Fri: .Oven fried fish w/ tartar sauce, macaroni & cheese, spinach, strawberries, brownie. WEEK OF MARCH 28 Mon: Ham chowder, carrots, calico salad, strawberries, cornbread. Tue: Chicken & cheese casserole, broccoli, mixed fruit, garlic bread. Wed: Beef & cabbage, pea salad, applesauce, blueberry crisp, roll. Thu: Scalloped potatoes & ham, green beans, mandarin oranges, gelatin, roll. * Milk is served with all meals. Meals fall within the following ranges: Carlories 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
March 2022
Classified Advertising
Place an ad: 942-5385
F CEMETERY PROPERTY FOR SALE F
F CLEANING SERVICES CONTF
F HOME CARE CONTF
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONTF
Single Plot – Resthaven Cemetery – Garden of the Cross 46A1 $4500 OBO Email: arkpegram@cox.net OR 479-644-6680 Serious inquires only
Residential cleaning. References available. Dependable and reliable. 20 years’ experience. Call for free estimate. Sherry 316-461-5787
Private Duty Aide with light house keeping. Availability evenings and weekends. References upon request. Cynthia CNA/HHA 316-992-6711
Beard & Son Concrete Construction
White Chapel Cemetery. 4 adjoining plots. Nativity Section. $1,000 each plus $150 transfer fee. 3 adjoining plots Last Supper section $1,000 each plus $150 transfer fee. 316-990-5442. 3 cemetery plots for sale at Resthaven Cemetery.2 plots side by side & 3rd just around the corner. Value $4,000, Asking $2,000. Contact Marlene at 713-582-9215 Resthaven Garden of the Cross 2 single plots 32C-1 & 32C-3. Will sell together or apart. $1,200 each. I will pay your transfer fees. 704-957-3645 or wendyellisnc@gmail.com 2 lots at Resthaven, located in the Garden of Prayers, 121 A3&A4. $3,000 Negotiable. Call 623-694-2555. Four Resthaven burial plots for sale located in Garden of The Cross, Current value $4950/ea. negotiable. Please call Steve 620-271-3533 Resthaven Garden of Freedom Lot 104-C Space 3 316-295-6081
F COURIER SERVICESF Prairie Express Courier and Delivery Services • Will deliver packages, crates, parts, etc., • Transport people for errands such as grocery store, airport, doctors’ appointments, etc. Call/Text 316-640-6327
F ESTATE SALES F CUSTOMIZED ESTATE SALES GREATER PROFITS WITH LESS STRESS Insured with 20 years experience Free Consultations 316-806-7360 Julie IPK Enterprises Estate Sales. Know your options, you have many. Please call us for a free consultation. 316-806-3435.
F FIREWOOD FOR SALEF Seasoned split and delivered premium firewood. Premium Oak mix, locust, pecan, hot stove mix. Any quantity. 316-807-8650.
F FOR SALEF
F HELP WANTEDF ATTENTION JOB SEEKERS – AGES 55+ The Senior Employment Program’s Job Club is meeting in person again. EVERY TUESDAY at 1:00pm. Call 267-1771 for details.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO DELIVER MEALS ON WHEELS –
Routes are open each weekday to deliver a lunchtime meal. Thursday & Friday has the most open routes. If interested please visit our website at https:// seniorservicesofwichita.org/meals-onwheels/ and fill out then submit the application online at the bottom of the page. No walk ins please. All volunteers must be prescreened prior to delivering routes.
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS F
Resthaven Sermon on the Mount. 2 plots plus vaults. Plot #112-B Spaces 1&2. Sold together. $3,800 each. Negotiable. 316-644-1306 or 602-315-2189. Leave Message.
Brand New Recliner/Massage chair still in the box but missing remote control. Very comfortable. $300 OBO w/out remote, or $430 w/ remote. 316-491-1718.
Great location in Old Mission “Devotion” section; 2 adjoining plots for $3,800. Seller pays transfer fee. Call: 316/262-2980
Red Jazzy Select elite power chair. Good Batteries. $550. 316-993-2795
Dave’s Improvements Painting—interior/exterior. Doors and windows replaced, grab bars, wheelchair ramps. All general repairs. Guaranteed lowest rates. Senior citizen discount. Lic #7904. 316-312-2177
Twin XL Bed. Mattress, Linens plus Head/Foot Adjustable base. $650 OBO 316-214-3169. Leave Message
Molina Electric - Wichita Lic #1364 Comm. or Residential wiring. Service calls. New electric service. Troubleshooting. Cell 316-461-2199.
Resthaven single plot available in Garden of Freedom. Plot #62 C-3. Paid $4,695 sell for $4,000 OBO. Call 316-993-2223. 2 plots in Lakeview meditation Garden. Value $7,000. Asking $2,500 seller will pay closing costs. Call Bob 316-252-4418. Resthaven 2 plots 91-C 1&2, $1800 each OBO. Value $4695 each. Seller pays transfer fee. Call 316-689-1930 or email s-buller@sbcglobal.net Single plot, Section 18 lot 94-B space #1 Resthaven Garden of Faith. Asking $4,000. Buyer pays transfer fee. 316-788-4383.
Brand New Recliner/Massage chair stillin the box but missing remote control. Very comfortable. $300 OBO w/ out remote or $430 w/remote. 316-491-1718
F FOOT CARE F FOOT CARE IN YOUR HOME
White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Good Shepherd, one plot, 53A, space 1. Selling for $600. Buyer pays $425 transfer fee. 316-2603143, leave message.
Cheryl Rosine ~ The Foot Lady ICMT RN
Resthaven, Garden of Freedom, Double-depth lawn crypt, with marker, space for two, Bronze Memorial, granite base. Good location. Call 316-617-2088
$40: In-home, Sedgwick & surrounding counties Diabetic, thick toe nails, ingrown & callous care
F CLEANING SERVICESF
• 316-312-2025 •
Benjamin Jones ~ CNAICR
• 316-932-8524•
Foot Care in home. Home visit $40.00 Call Francine at 316-943-4360. Leave a message.
F FURNITURE F Downsizing? Don't have an Auction, or Estate Sale. We Buy Entire Estates, Storage Units, Garages, Barns, Sheds. Call Kelly 316-283-8536. Furniture Warehouse 200 Main Newton, KS
F HOME CARE F Sisters Dependable caregiver for elderly person in their home. Alzheimer's & Dementia. Cleaning, cooking & meds. Weekends, night, days or overnight. 30 years’ experience. 316-390-9526 Male Caregiver. 4-6 hrs, 15/hr. Can cook, clean, and run errands. Can take to doctors appointments. Call 316-259-8738
Handyman RX- We have a remedy for almost all of your “fix-it” jobs! Light carpentry including deck and fence repair, indoor misc. repairs and installations, lawn mowing “LG or SM”, Yard & Garage clean-up, mulching, hauling, ect, what you need done I can probably handle. Call for HELP! Brian 316-217-0882. Free Estimates Cowboy Construction Remodeling, siding, decks, fences, windows, doors and more. 20 years locally owned. Free estimates. Senior discounts. Todd Wenzel 316-393-4488
K & A Maintenance Experts We specialize in the following
Wheel Chair Ramps • Landscaping • Remodeling Decks • Safety Hand Rails
Drive ways, sidewalks, patio and landscaping. Dirt work and more. Licensed * Bonded * Insured
I bid’em to get’em!
Steve 316-773-9320/316-259-0629
SENIOR HELPING SENIOR FORSHEE MASONRY- 50 Years Any Brick, Block, Stone Repair Sidewalk Leveling Senior Discount
RICK 316-945-8751
Derby, Haysville, Mulvane, Rose Hill, Wichita. Exterior & Intereior. House painting, siding, decks, fences. Build, repair and stain. Free Estimates and references. See us on angieslist.com. Keith Kimball 316-250-2265 or 316-789-9639 Be Blessed. Thank you. Steve’s masonry repair No job too small! *Mailboxes* 316-339-6092
Advantage Home Services Home Improvement & Repair
Handyman Helper
One call does it all! 316-518-8553
Bruce Smith Roofing & Siding Protect your home from the elements of the weather!
35 Years Exp. Locally owned & operated
FREE ESTIMATES
All types of roofing, siding, handyman work, hauling, clean-ups & other exterior projects
316-640-3155 Licensed & Insured
FREE ESTIMATES
All General Maintenance and Repairs Please call Jesse at 316-854-7642 FENCING Professional fencce install and fence repair. Call or text 316-821-6341 VERY AFFORDABLE Walk-in Showers & Tubs Bathe Safe & FEEL SAFE!! "Tub to Shower Conversion Specialist" CALL 316-633-9967 - SENIOR DISCOUNTS www.bathroomheadquarters.com
Roofing – Windows – Siding A Reliable General Contractor Senior Discount
316-361-2787
garywilbertroofing.com garywilbertroofing@cox.net
MOBILE GLASS REPAIR Windows * Patio * Doors Windows won’t stay up, Crank Outs, Patio Rollers and Lock Latches, Morris Glass & Service, 316-946-0745
PLUMBCO
Compare Our Prices Weekly Plumbing Specials
Ins/Lic #5803
www.theactiveage.com
316-942-1967
Heating/AC, Plumbing Light Electrical, Drywall, Painting, Tile, Basic Home Repairs Licensed & Insured 25% Senior Discount
March 2022
the active age
Page 21
Classified Advertising
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F
F HOME IMPROVEMENTS CONT F
AGAPE CONSTRUCTION
A-n-A Lawn Care
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
S & V Concrete
Art Busch
Place an ad: 942-5385 316.990.7039 artbuschwichita.com artbusch@plazare.com
F LAWN AND GARDEN CONT F
F REAL ESTATEF
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Perry's Lawn Service Mowing, trimming, edging and leaf cleanup. If you need any of these services Call Perry Haggard, 316-619-6126
Providing services to Wichita & surrounding areas. Commercial & Residential. Family owned and operated. Over 25 years. Insured. Free estimates.
Total yard clean-up, flower beds and bushes, tree trimming and stump grinding. Removal & Clean-up. Firewood Available for Delivery. LEAF cleanup and HAULING. Including all yard debris. 316-633-0547
316-312-6174 or 316-390-5758 Analawncare.org
LIFT-RITE GARAGE DOORS
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Easch office is independently Owned and Operated
Scheduled maintenance, repair, sales on all garage doors. *Springs-Torsion & Extension *Garage Door Openers, Doors & More
Art Busch
316.990.7039 Art Busch artbuschwichita.com 316.990.7039 artbusch@plazare.com artbuschwichita.com artbusch@plazare.com Senior Real Estate Specialist
HAULING HANDYMAN Brush, Junk /Trash Removal Indoor Painting, Minor Repairs MISC. ODD JOBS, NO JOB TOO SMALL Honest & Reasonable. 316-807-4989.
Art Busch 316.990.7039 artbuschwichita.com Artbusch@plazare.com
Each office is independently Owned and Operated
F SERVICES F
U Call, I haul! 316-372-2768 or 316-650-9021
Easch officeisisindependently independently EachEstate office Senior Real Specialist
Paul Williams (316) 650-8807
Ownedand and Operated Owned Need help on your electric scooter, power officechair, is independently orEaschOwned lift stair or platform lift or hand and Operated controls? Call Howard Distribution at 316-648-1694. Howard is a certified service center and dealer for Best Bath walk-in tubs, Bruno, EMC, Golden Tech, Pace Saver, Pride and Ricon. Working for you since 1987.
Downsizing / Moving / Spring Cleaning Medicare Supplements We buy everything from individual items to
F INSURANCE F
TURNING 65?
whole estates. Independent Agent
House cleanout service also
Residential & Commercial Mowing available. Give us a call to learn more about all theresanewby@aol.com Leaf/Lawn Clean Up/Removal • Stump Grinding the services we provide
Medicare Supplements Tree & Bush Trimming/Removal
Bud Palmer Auction 316.838.4141 BudPalmerAuction.com.
Medicare Supplements Medicare Supplements All Season, Military, & Senior Discounts Independent Agent
Theresa Newby
theresanewby@aol.com Licensed & Insured Independent Agent Independent Agent Ask About Our Lowest Price Guarantee! theresanewby@aol.com Medicare Medicare Supplements Supplements theresanewby@aol.com
Theresa Newby Independent Independent Agent Agent (316) 258-6954 316 655 5943 30 Years Experience Snow Removal theresanewby@aol.com theresanewby@aol.com Theresa Newby 316 655 5943 Christian Lawn Care 30 Years Experience Steps, porches, patios, sidewalks, Mowing-$20, verti-slicing, core-aerating, overMedicare Supplements Annuities Theresa Theresa Newby Newby 316 655 5943 driveways & garage floors. Also 4-inch Medicare Supplements Annuities 30 Years Experience seeding, new lawns, mulching flower beds, fall Life Ins Dental Policies Cancer Policies Fixed - Index Life Ins Experience - Dental Policies - Cancer Policies - Index leaves, shrub trimming and removal, gutter 316 655 316 5943 655 5943 Fixedcleanup, 30 Years Experience 30 Years steps with 18-inch landings for seniors. 316 655 5943 30 Years Experience Medicare Supplements Annuities cleaning, hauling. Pampas trimming & clean-up. Supplements Supplements Fixed Annuities Annuities Licensed, bonded, Life insured. Senior discount. Ins - DentalMedicare PoliciesMedicare - Cancer Policies - Index Life Ins - Dental Life Ins Policies - Dental - Cancer PoliciesPolicies - Cancer Policies Fixed - Index Fixed - Index Steve 316-685-2145 Supplements Annuities FreeMedicare estimates
F TREE SERVICE F
Theresa Newby
Ins - Dental Policies - Cancer Policies F INTERPRETER F Fixed - Index SteveLife992-6884
Ballard Plumbing ALL PLUMBING REPAIRS • •
FREE estimates Senior Discounts
Licensed & Insured Veteran Owned - Family Operated
Call Brad at 316-260-0136 www.BallardPHC.com
BRICK & STONE WORK OF ANY KIND Tuck-pointing, foundation & chimney repair. Insured. Free Estimates.
CALL DAN 316-516-3949
Grandpa’s Plumbing Repairs, Free estimates
316.312.4391
Free Estimates
JS Guttering & Construction 5"-6" SEAMLESS GUTTER WHOLE HOUSE PAINTING SIDING & WINDOWS
Call Josh for an estimate
316-393-8921
Spanish-English Communications Interpreation/Translation Judith Eguino-Humerez
316-687-4640 Phone 316-249-0678 Mobile juditheguinohumerez@gmail.com
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 316-708-7236 WWW.JESUSLANDSCAPINGKS.COM
Sharp Edges Lawn Care Service Mowing Trimming Edging Rake Leaves And MORE Call/Text 316-640-6327
MOWING
Tree Trimming & Junk Removal Spring & Fall Clean-Up
Affordable Painting "We've Been Covering The Town For 30 Years!" Brock Eastman 316.765.1677
316-945-9473 Senior Citizen Discounts F PAINTING F • Residential and Commercial
STUMP GRINDING Brock 316-765-1677 Mike E. 316-708-1472 SNOW REMOVAL MOWING BRICK, BLOCK AND STONE repair. Garage clean out, gutter cleanup, hauling, roto-tilling. APPLIANCE REMOVAL. All Season Clean Up Lawn Care Quality Lawn Care • Yard Clean Up Tree Trimming • Gutter Cleaning Fall through Spring raking. Free estimates, senior discounts. 316-409-8780.
Impact Lawn Care
McCoy Painting 316-516-6443 • Painting for Interior and Do youExterior need any interior or exterior painting done? I’m Free estimates, affordable rates. • your Powerman. Washing • Some Home Improvements References available.. Free Estimates Painting & Remodeling by Harley Worthey Interior/Exterior & Odd jobs Husband & Wife Team. 316-648-4478
Affordable Painting "We've Been Covering The Town For 30 Years!"
316-945-9473
Spring Specials 10% off • Residential and Commercial • Painting for Interior and Exterior • Power Washing • Some Home Improvements
Residential/ Commercial
Free Estimates * Senior Citizen Discounts
MOWING • SCALPING SHRUB TRIMMING & MORE! Small family owned and operated with over 30 years experience and fully insured!
F PERSONALSF
Spring Clean-Up
316-737-4890
www.affordablepaintingwichita.com
Where are you? Seeking a gentleman with good morals to pal around with. Write #83, c/o the active age, 125 S. West ST, Ste 105, Wichita, KS 67213.
Active Aging
www.theactiveage.com Proof Approval
Please check your ad carefully
TREE BOSS
Robert Rodriguez Owner/ Operator
• • • • •
Tree Removal Trimming Deadwood Stump Removal Dirt/Gravel/Rock Work • FREE ESTIMATES
316-806-9592 Licensed & Insured Felipe Tree Service Evergreen trimming. Tree removal. Brush hauling. Splitting. Deadwooding. Free estimates. 12 years experience. 316-807-4419 All Around Tree Service Stump GRINDING & Chip Clean-up Trimming, deadwood, tree removal. Total yard, leaf clean-up & hauling. Flower beds and bushes. Free estimates. Experienced. Good prices. Insured. Brad 316-633-0547 Bruce’s Tree Service
Complete Tree Trimming & Removal Gutter Cleaning and Leaf Rake Trees * Shrubs* Hedgerows * Evergreens Senior Discounts. Insured. Over 30 years exp. ALL FARM & RURAL AREAS Firewood Call 316-207-8047
TREE & STUMP TREE &REMOVAL STUMP REMOVAL
Advantage • Fast &Home Reliable Services • Free for316-518-8553 Qualified Licensed & Insured Seniors
Stan 316-518-8553 Advantage Home Services Licensed & Insured Home Improvement & Repair
F WANTED F
Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing & more Want to Purchase mineral and other oil/gas Free Estimates interests. Send details P.O Box 13557, Denver One call does itto all! 316-518-8553 CO 80201 Donate your Durable Medical Equipment. Will pick up. Tax credit. Medical Loan Closet of Wichita. 316-779-8989 Collector buying: WWII GERMAN and JAPANESE MILITARY items. 316-516-2737
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the active age
March 2022
Provocateur
Lindsborg gallery and arts center open with founder's in-your-face paintings
Lori Brack Kansas Reflector LINDSBORG — Painter Mike Hartung doesn’t read much fiction, but many of his paintings start with a phrase he can’t get out of his head. He says we’re living through a very dark time, and “I’m not sure we’re not going to pull out of it.” Regardless, he keeps making paintings that critique the social and political moment. He has produced more than 700 large panels in his lifetime, many of them made in a downtown Lindsborg upstairs studio since 1975. Nonetheless, he claims painting has never been pleasurable for him. Hartung paints people we often don’t want to see — distorted oxycontin addicts, victimized women, lonely souls in the night — but he does so with a vitality that draws us in even as we want to turn away. “It’s work,” he said. Despite the contradictions, Hartung is clear, focused and purposeful. After working as a commercial printer for 45 years, he’s dedicated his retirement to painting and rallying Lindsborg volunteers to open what he calls “a pretty low-scale, human-friendly, informal place for people to come in off the street and get involved with art.” Hartung has purchased a building in downtown Lindsborg, where he’s lived and painted for many years, to provide an art venue that will promote, support and develop local and regional arts and artists. The Smoky Valley Arts and Folklife Center opened Jan. 14 with an exhibition of 10 new Hartung paintings (plus three panels from the 1980s) in a show called Not for the Faint of Heart, on view through March 13. On opening day, Hartung was tending the gallery along with Marsha Howe, a founding SVAFC committee member and director of the Red Barn Studio Museum just down Main Street from the center’s 114½ S. Main building. After an “Open” sign was unearthed from the back room, which serves as a space for art classes and workshops, the pair decided to hang it in the front window. “Yellow and blue! Swedish colors!” Howe said the first time they powered it up. Hartung stepped outside to see how the electric “Open” looked in the window and returned with this estimation: “Looks like a bar and grill. People will say, 'Hey! Another place I can start my tab!'” His pleasure in talking with others
Photo by Lori Brack
Mike Hartung talks about his most recently finished painting, “One’s Overreaction to a Legal Property Settlement Should Not Entail Plowing Up a Cactus Garden and Setting the Showpiece on Fire." about his work began after his friends, artists Laura and Richard Klocke, photographed his paintings and encouraged him to exhibit, which he began in 2017. “I love the figure,” Hartung said, referring to a painting titled “Intruder in the Sun” in which a sunbather is interrupted in her reading. “I don’t use models. I want that separation. The upside is that I don’t have baggage. The downside is that I don’t want to convert to rote. If this feels familiar, I don’t want to do it,” he said. The new gallery group started experimenting with exhibitions in a rented space in August 2020. “We had no dedicated space for workshops, which is so exciting about this,” Howe said. “Every year, there will be a folklife exhibition – traditional work like Swedish sjold (handcrafts), ljuskrona (chandeliers) and folk costume.” Howe said the idea for a gallery and art center has been on her mind for years, but when Hartung came to the Red Barn in 2017, “He told me he had 700 paintings and wanted a place to leave them.” So, Howe joined the committee and wrote a Reimagined Spaces grant request to the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. When the project was funded, SVAFC received the financial and artistic boost it needed to get serious about finding a home. Eventually, Hartung’s paintings and the building will be left in a legacy
that assures SVAFC and the paintings are part of Lindsborg’s cultural life. Just before the inaugural exhibition closes, a short film by Patrick Troll will
premiere March 5 called “Hartung: Not for Sale.” In the film, Hartung says, “I am disrupting my peaceful retirement by still painting. It’s all I ever wanted to do. In an odd way, I look on myself as a writer who only has a paintbrush as a vocabulary.” Spending time with Hartung’s new paintings — a family eating Thanksgiving dinner in their car, a woman comforting a child on a sleeping porch, a dominatrix washing a man’s hands, a woman watching a burning cactus from inside her home — is like indulging in an afternoon reading one of those books you never want to end. He finds subject matter in controversial political figures and topics as well. Information about the benefit film premiere “Hartung Unfiltered,” and the 2022 schedule of exhibitions, classes, and events is available at the center’s website. The center is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday and by appointment by emailing svafc.ks@ gmail.com. Lori Brack is a former writing instructor who lives in Lucas, Kan.
Sundays @ 8 p.m., Starting March 20
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Against the backdrop of beautiful vistas, familiar faces return, and new inhabitants arrive in an all-new season, chock full of adventures as joyous and surprising as the seaside town itself.
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Vaccine
From Page 1 50 percent vaccinations: Family Health & Rehabilitation Center, Mount Hope Nursing Center and Orchard Gardens. In August, President Biden announced that nursing home staffs would have to be fully vaccinated to receive Medicaid and Medicare funding. The mandate was delayed as Kansas and other states filed
lawsuits to block it, but in January the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could enforce the requirement. Under the CMS mandate, nursing home workers were to have received at least one dose of the vaccine by Feb. 14. Nursing home industry representatives have said that the mandate could force some homes to close since they are heavily dependent on that funding, and others could be
Nuring home vaccination rates This chart shows the percentage of completed COVID-19 vaccinations among residents and staff at area nursing homes. Sedwick County
Residents
Staff
100
88
Catholic Care
84
84
Center at Waterfront
78
91
Clearwater
59
55
Derby Health
55
100
Diversicare of Haysville
89
90
Family Health
71
48
Homstead Health
96
56
LakePoint Wichita
89
74
87
91
Legacy at College Hill
N/A
N/A
Life Care Center
50
87
Lincoln Care and Rehab
80
62
Medicalodges Goddard
91
98
Meridian Rehabilitation
78
52
Mount Hope Nursing
87
48
Mount St. Mary
89
89
Orchard Gardens
75
49
Regent Park Rehabilitation
78
79
Rolling Hills Health & Rehab
89
52
Sandpiper Healthcare
94
94
Via Christi McLean
94
100
Via Christi Village Ridge
80
100
Villa Maria
96
84
Westview of Derby
87
70
Wichita Center for Rehab
78
99
Wichita Presbyterian Manor
96
88
Caritas Center
Larksfield Place
Butler County
Residents
Staff
El Dorado Care and Rehab
86
100
Fountain View
91
67
Lakepoint Augusta
72
83
Victoria Falls
92
68
Wheat State Manor
87
58
Harvey County
Residents
Staff
Bethel Health Care Center
N/A
N/A
67
79
Halstead Health
100
82
85
97
91
81
Diversicare of Sedgwick Kansas Christian
Newton Presbyterian
84
70 Paramount Community Source: cms.gov as of February 10, 2022
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forced to fire employees at a time of staffing shortages. The CMS mandate allows for some leeway in enforcement, including medical and religious exemptions. Nursing homes with at least 80 percent compliance will not face enforcement action if they have plans to achieve 100% compliance within 60 days and will have another month to do so if they reach 90 percent. Mitzi McFatrich, executive director of Kansas Advocates for
Better Care, which advocates for nursing home residents, said the mandate “makes sense in terms of the vulnerability of residents.” “What I can tell you has been successful in Kansas, Missouri and other states is hosting an on-site vaccination,” she said. “That means one day you could have 30 percent (vaccinations) and the next day you could have 100 percent.”
Get booster shot, health director urges By Joe Stumpe The Active Age Sedgwick County health director Adrienne Byrne is urging residents to get their third and in some cases fourth COVID-19 vaccine shots, known as booster shots. “We haven’t given that many booster shots for the amount of people that have been fully vaccinated,” Byrne said. “At first, we had a lot of people coming for booster doses, then it just really began to slow down,” she added. As of Feb. 9, according to the county health department, 109,917 people had received a booster shot. That’s estimated to be about 40 percent of the people eligible for a booster shot. Nationally, the CDC estimates that 42.4 percent of people eligible for a booster shot have received one. The CDC recommends a booster shot for people over a certain age — 12 and up for those who’ve received the Pfizer vaccine and 18 and up for those who’ve received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The recommended waiting period before getting a booster is five months for those receiving the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and two months for those receiving Johnson & Johnson’s. The CDC recommends a fourth shot for people whose immune systems are severely compromised. That includes people who have cancer or who are taking cancer treatment drugs, people who’ve had organ transplants, people who have autoimmune disorders or who are taking immune suppressive drugs, and people with advanced HIV. For people with these conditions, Byrne said, “That fourth shot is their booster to boost their immune system because research shows the vaccine is waning over time. The booster provides that effectiveness.” People don’t need a doctor’s order to receive the fourth shot, Byrne said. The Sedgwick County Health Department is administering fourth doses at its Community Vaccine Clinic at 223 S. Main St. and at Mobile Vaccine Clinics located around the county. There is no charge for the shots. For a list of upcoming mobile clinics, visit https://www. sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/vaccine/cliniclocations/. In-car vaccination is available at the Community Vaccine Clinic for those people who do not wish to enter the clinic. To receive this service, park in a designated disabled parking space in the south lot adjacent to 223 S. Main St. and dial 316-660-0960. Bryne acknowledged that vaccine guidelines www.theactiveage.com
have seemed “complicated” to many. Byrne believes a couple factors are responsible for people not getting their booster shots. They may have had a bad reaction to their second shot. “Not everybody has paid sick leave, and you can feel pretty bad for 24 hours,” she said. “Another reason is because they think COVID Byrne is gone, things are back to regular and you don’t have to wear a mask. Those things just aren’t true.” In one population segment whose vaccination status is being closely tracked — nursing home residents — 88.7 percent of those in Kansas had been fully vaccinated, while 57.1 percent had received a booster as of Jan. 20, according to AARP. The percentage of fully vaccinated staff who’d received a booster was only 20.8 percent. Byrne reached out to The Active Age to deliver her message but emphasized that it isn’t intended just for older residents. “It’s important that their family members are fully vaccinated and boosted because they’re going to be around,” she said. Byrne addressed several more COVIDrelated developments, including: • The CDC has shortened the waiting period for booster shots for people who are immunocompromised. Local authorities are implementing that change, Byrne said. • A March 15 federal deadline for nursing home employees and other health care workers to be vaccinated. According to the CDC, 79.2 percent of Kansas nursing home employees are now vaccinated. The nursing home industry has warned that the mandate may harm residents by further reducing staffing in the homes, which has already been stretched thin. “It is concerning because we know that nursing homes do struggle with finding staff,” Byrne said. “At the same time, the residents in the homes are at such high risk.” • A report by researchers at Johns Hopkins University suggesting that lockdowns had not been effective in reducing mortality in Europe and the United States. Byrne said it was difficult for authorities to know the right response in the early days of the pandemic, calling lockdown orders “the lesser of two evils.” “We know a lot of people suffered because of those lockdowns. But in regards to masks and gathering orders, absolutely they were important.”
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March 2022
Home modification tips for aging in place Dear Savvy Senior, My wife and I would like to make some affordable changes to our home so we can remain living there for as long as possible. Can you recommend some good resources that can help us determine what all we need to consider? Getting Old Dear Getting, Many older adults, like you and your wife, want to stay living in their own homes for as long as possible. But being able to do so will depend on how easy it is to maneuver your living space as you get older. Here are some helpful resources you can turn to to get an idea of the different types of features and improvements that will make your house safer and more convenient as you grow older. Home Evaluation A good first step in making your home more age-friendly is to do an assessment. Go through your house room by room, looking for problem areas like potential tripping or slipping hazards as well as areas that are hard to access and difficult to maintain. To help with this, there are several organizations that have aging-in-place checklists that point out potential
problems in each area of the home, along with modifications and solutions. For example, Rebuild Together has a two-page “Safe at Home Checklist” that’s created in partnership with the Administration on Aging and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Go to AOTA.org and search for “Rebuilding Together Safe at Home Checklist.” You also need to get a copy of AARP’s “HomeFit Guide.” This excellent 36-page guide has more than 100 aging-in-place tips and suggestions that can be made to an existing house or apartment or incorporated into designs for a new residence. It explains how a smartly designed or modified home can meet the varied and changing needs of its older residents. It also features easy-to-do, low-cost and no-cost fixes that lessen the risk of trip hazards and increase the safety of high-use areas like the bathroom, kitchen and stairway.
In addition, they also offer videos and a HomeFit AR app (available for iPhone and iPad) that can scan a room and suggest improvements to help turn your house into a “lifelong home,” free from safety and mobility risks. Visit AARP.org/HomeFit to order or download a free copy of this guide or to watch their videos. In-Home Assessments If you want some personalized help, you can get a professional inhome assessment with an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist, or OT, can evaluate the challenges and shortcomings of your home for aging in place, recommend design and modification solutions and introduce you to products and services to help you make improvements. To find an OT in your area, check with your physician, health insurance provider or local hospital, or seek recommendations from family and friends. Many health insurance providers, including Medicare, will pay for a home assessment by an OT
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To find more advice from Savvy Senior columnist Jim Miller, visit theactiveage.com Topics covered are • What to Know About Enrolling in Medicare • Do I Have to File Income Tax Returns This Year? • How to Convince an Elderly Parent to Stop Driving
Caregivers support group forming
Hand in Hand, a caregivers support group, will hold its first meeting Monday, March 21, at Believers Southern Baptist Church, 13909 W. 21st St. N. in Wichita. The group is for people who are giving care and need emotional support. It is not disease or disorder
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if prescribed by your doctor. However, they will not cover the physical upgrades to the home. Another option is to contact a builder who’s a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). CAPS are home remodelers and design-build professionals that are knowledgeable about aging in place home modifications and can suggest ways to modify or remodel your home that will fit your needs and budget. CAPS are generally paid by the hour or receive a flat fee per visit or project. To find a CAPS in your area visit the National Association of Home Builders website at NAHB.org/ capsdirectory where you can search by state and city.
A group called Young at Heart is meeting on the second Thursday of each month at the former community
specific. The group will meet on the third Monday of each month from 2-3 p.m. in the church’s west building. Vickie Lane, who is a registered nurse and social worker, is facilitating the group. She can be reached at (316) 841-8014. building, 401 Khedive St. The meetings start with a potluck lunch at 11:30 a.m. and usually include games of cards afterward. There is no charge.
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Recipe for You or Two: Pizza Pasta
Roberta Hulbert is the winner of a $25 gift certificate donated by the Spice Merchant for submitting this month’s Recipe for You or Two: Pizza Pasta. “These are my favorite pizza toppings, but with pasta instead of a crust,” Hulbert said. “Easy!” To submit your own Recipe for You or Two, mail to The Active Age, 125 S. West St., Suite 105, Wichita, KS, 67213, or email joe@theactiveage.com. Put “recipe contest” in the subject line.
Pizza Pasta
½ box penne pasta 1 onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ lb. Italian sausage ½ jar marinara sauce 1 can mushroom pieces 1 small can chopped black olives 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese Directions: Cook pasta according to directions. Drain in a strainer. In the same pot, saute onion and 1 bell pepper in a tablespoon of olive oil. Move to the edge of the pot and brown sausage. Add marinara sauce (freeze remainder for next time), black olives and mushroom pieces. Top with parmesan cheese and serve.
Friday Lenten dinners return to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 2409 N. Market in Wichita, Kan., is bringing back its annual meatless Mexican food dinners on Friday during Lent after taking a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting on March 4 and each Friday through April 8, the church will be selling meatless Mexican food from 5-7 p.m. in the parish center. Parishioners prepare the food each week. The menu features cheese and onion enchiladas, tostadas, potato tacos (see recipe at right), chile rellenos and more. Dine in or carry out are available. Proceeds from the food sales support scholarships to send children from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to Wichita-area Catholic schools.
Pico de Gallo
3-5 ripe tomatoes 1 yellow or white onion 1-2 jalapenos, seeds removed 1 small bunch cilantro Juice of 1 lime Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Chop and combine first four ingredients. Add lime juice, salt and pepper. Let flavors meld at least 30 minutes before serving.
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Potato Tacos
2 lbs. potatoes Vegetable oil, divided use 1/2 onion, chopped 8 oz. whole peeled canned tomatoes, drained and chopped Garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, optional 12 to 16 flour tacos (6 to 8 inches) Toothpicks For topping: shredded lettuce, cheese and salsa or pico de gallo Directions: Peel potatoes, cut into chunks and boil until done. Drain and mash potatoes. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Saute onion and tomato until onion is soft. Add mixture to potatoes along with ½ cup shredded cheese, if using. Season to taste with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place 2-3 heaping tablespoons of potato mixture in the center of a tortilla. Close the tortilla over the filling and use toothpicks to hold the edges together at either end and in the middle. Repeat with remaining ingredients. In a saucepan, heat enough oil to cover the tacos over medium-high heat. Using tongs, carefully lower a taco into the oil. Fry for about 1 minute, then turn the taco over and fry another minute, or until golden brown on both sides. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. When cool enough to handle, pry open top of taco, add lettuce, cheese and salsa and serve. Source: Teresa Kelley
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Art classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels Open seven days a week with day and evening classes to fit your lifestyle Enroll by yourself or with a friend! Galleries are free and open to the public during business hours Call 316-350-3245 to learn more
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Community center and library open in Wichita's North End The Evergreen Community Center and Library opened last month after a $1.65 million renovation. The facility at 2601 N. Arkansas is designed to bring together several community services under one roof. “We have missed providing our full services to the North End community and look forward to seeing everyone again for programs, computing and meeting information and educational needs,” said Jaime Prothro, the city’s director of libraries. The new facility houses the Evergreen Branch Library, Evergreen Neighborhood Resource Center, Empower, Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation, Salud + Bienestar, Kansas Department for Children & Families, Wichita Police Department and Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department. Each agency housed at the Evergreen Community Center and Library has slightly different operating hours.
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March 2022
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March 2022
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