50 Plus-November 2011

Things To Do 2

health COlUMN:The Keys To healThy aging Dr. Cheryl a. MarTin-FosTer 3

FINaNCIal COlUMN:To grow or To sTreTCh? BruCe BiTTer 4

Playing KiPa sTory By TerenCe Kilroy 5

FeatURe StORY:

alPaCas ProviDe seConD Career 6-8

aDrC: Beware oF unoFFiCial insuranCe Plan weBsiTe 10

50plus!

nov

emb

er 2

011

| t

he m

agaz

ine

for

acti

ve, m

atur

e lif

esty

les

2 . November 2011 . 50 plus!

NOV. 5InternatIonal Food FaIr: Roncalli high School. taste traditional cuisines from around the world. there will also be a silent auction, oral auction and ticket-to-cash raffle, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., (920) 684-3718lakeshore BIg Band: ol’ Blue eyes: Capitol Civic Centre, Join the lBB in a celebration of the greatest hits of Frank Sinatra. Featuring the “Mike-rophones” female vocal quartet. 7:30 p.m., (920) 683-2184show-Me saturdays: reMeMBerIng the 1960s: Manitowoc heritage Center, Relive the 1960s with toys, games, clothing, entertainment and a local look at our county. 10 a.m., (920) 684-4445

NOV. 12ChaIrs For CharIty: rahr west art MuseuM, Purchase a beautifully decorated chair and support local art students, free, (920) 686-3090hungry For hIstory: an evenIng wIth Mrs. lInColn: Manitowoc heritage Center. a catered meal will follow. 5:30 p.m., (920) 684-4445the ChIpper experIenCe! where CoMedy & MagIC CollIde: Capitol Civic Centre, high-energy comedy combines hilarious stand-up with original magic routines, juggling stunts and audience participation. 3 and 7 p.m., (920) 683-2184ruMMage-a-raMa ManItowoC County expo: Perfect for selling or buying items like crafts, antiques, collectibles and amish bakery.Concessions are available, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., (920) 683-4378

NOV. 13sCIenCe sunday: poInt BeaCh energy Center, experience the amazing science of Professor Gizmo! Programs at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. hands-on science toys and science experiments. Free. (920) 755-6400, or 800-880-8463.

NOV. 17a ChrIstMas story: Capitol Civic Centre, Revisit this holiday favorite, from grumpy Santas to leg lamps to Pink Bunny costumes you will laugh all evening, 7-9 p.m., (920) 683-2184. also Nov. 18 and 19

Oral Storytelling Preserves history

thINGS tO DO 2 health COlUMN: the Keys to healthy aging Dr. Cheryl a. Martin-Foster 3

FINaNCIal COlUMN: to Grow or to Stretch? Bruce Bitter 4

Playing Kip a Story By terence Kilroy 5

on the Cover: alpaCas provIde seCond Career 6-8 Kevin Stoer, owner of londonDairy alpaca Ranch near two Rivers, holds Secretariat, who was 3 days old when the photo was taken, while having his arm around Naomi, who at more than 20 years old is the oldest alpaca on the ranch. at right is lotus Blossom, Secretariat’s mom. Stoer, a former agriculture educator, changed careers to run the alpaca ranch. Photo by Deb horn

aDRC: Beware Of Unofficial Insurance Plan Website 10

staff Pat Pankratz, 50 Plus! editor 920-686-2138 [email protected]

James Maurer, advertising Manager 920-684-4433 [email protected]

50 Plus! is published monthly by the herald times Reporter. It also is distributed to select businesses in Manitowoc County.

50plus!

Tab

le o

f C

on

ten

ts

. n

ove

mb

er 2

011

Things To Dosanta and all his friends will be on hand when the lakeshore holiday Parade is held in downtown Manitowoc at 6:30 p.m. nov. 23, and the Christmas Fantasy Parade is held in downtown Two rivers at 5:30 p.m. nov. 26. 50 Plus file photo

NOV. 18holIday on the lakeshore: holiday Inn-Manitowoc. Start your holiday shopping early the Service league’s 29th annual fundraising event. Over 60 retailers and artists. (920) 684-6101, or [email protected]. also Nov. 19

NOV. 1923rd annual syMphony holIday tour oF hoMes, Various Manitowoc locations, tickets may be purchased at any of the homes, children under 12 are not permitted on the tour. all proceeds help support the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra,10 a.m.-4 p.m., (920) 323-4884

NOV. 23 lakeshore holIday parade: Downtown Manitowoc, 6:30 p.m., (920) 686-6980ChrIstMas In the MansIon: Rahr West art Museum. annual exhibit highlights the Victorian style. Warm up your visit with packages, ribbon, lights and frivolities. (920) 686-3090. Runs through Jan. 8, 2012.

NOV. 26ChrIstMas Fantasy parade: Downtown two Rivers, Small-town charm enhances this wonderful holiday tradition. 5:30 p.m., (920) 794-1482Information from www.manitowoc.info/events.html

50 plus! . November 2011 . 3

the Keys to healthy agingCheryl a. Martin-Foster is a family practitioner at the aurora Two rivers Clinic. she can be reached at (920) 793-2281.

The Keys To healThy aging continued on page 4

Everyone realizes that getting older is a natural part of life, but what can you do to encourage “healthy aging”?

Research shows that it’s never too early or too late to change bad habits and start adopting good ones. No matter when you start, a healthy lifestyle can make a difference in how you feel and what you’re able to do as you age.

As you get older, one of the most important things you can do for your health is exercise. Exercise keeps your body strong, and people who stay active are less likely to suffer from depression.

Physical activity builds physical vitality. With every year of your life, you have more to gain from being physically active; as your age-related risks of chronic disease increase, regular exercise generally slows that trend.

Exercise can be anything from walking to gardening to working out at the gym. The important thing is to be active almost every day. No matter what your age or condition, there is some form of exercise that’s appropriate for you. Always ask your health care provider whether it is safe for you to start an exercise program.

Regular exercise is even more important for seniors than other age groups, since the risk of disease and lost mobility is greater and the positive effects are

realized more quickly.

Some research suggests that the heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) benefits you get from physical activity may also help your brain stay healthy.

On a daily basis, being physically active improves your quality of life by improving your energy level, mental sharpness and mood, in addition to balance, strength and flexibility, which are key to preventing injuries and falls, especially as we age.

Getting regular aerobic exercise is one of your best defenses against chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis (weight-bearing exercise is necessary), Type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Mental, Emotional HealthYour mental outlook and emotional health are important components of healthy aging. You can improve both by staying connected with friends, family and the community. Stay active by doing things that keep you engaged in life, such as:

Take an interesting class or simply be with people you enjoy.

Pick up the phone and call someone, just to “chat.”

Volunteer your time. Get involved with a cause or group you believe in.

Seek out variety and challenge in your daily life.

You can also protect or improve your memory and mental sharpness by keeping your brain active by doing crossword puzzles, playing cards or strategy games.

People who feel connected to others are more likely to thrive than those who are not. And try to keep stress at a minimum. In addition to getting regular exercise, take charge of how stress affects you, by taking time each day to just relax.

Depression can be a serious problem for older adults. If you think you may be depressed, please seek professional help. Your health care provider may prescribe an antidepressant medicine and/or counseling to help treat your depression.

Other good habits to help encourage healthy aging include:

Eating a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid salty foods

WI-5001399981

The Gardens at Felician VillageAmenities:• Open floor plan

• Full size stove and refrigerator, microwave

and garbage disposal

• Individually controlled heat and air conditioning

• Washer/Dryer in Apartment

• Daily activities

• Lawn Maintenance

• Underground Parking

• Fitness room

• Direct access to the new Village Square

• 3 Restaurants includedSponsored by the Felician Sisters

Call us at 684-7171, ext 409, fora tour of our garden homes and

apartments for seniorsFind us on Facebook

1700 S. 18th Street Manitowoc • www.felicianvillage.org

Ask aboutour Fallmove-inspecial!


The Keys To healThy aging continued from page 3

to Grow or to Stretch?Bruce Bitter is a representative

for american senior Benefits. he can be contacted at

(920) 901-8160 or [email protected]

and foods with lots of fat, such as fried foods.

If you smoke, try to quit. Your doctor is there to help!

Don’t abuse alcohol or drugs.

We’ve all heard the saying that “attitude is everything.” Try to change the way you think about yourself. Start thinking, dressing, and eating and behaving like the active, vital person you want to be as you grow older.

Adopting these tips will go a long way to promote healthy aging.

When it comes to retirement assets, one of the most important questions to ask is, “What is my goal for the money?”

The answer often depends on the age of the person asking the question. If you are 35 years old, for example, your goal may be accumulation with aggressive growth. If you are 50, it might be continued accumulation with moderate growth. If you are 60, it might be high accumulation with conservative growth.

In any case, during the working years, the goal is typically accumulation with some kind of growth. In order to get the growth, most people are willing to risk short-term loss for longer-term gain. The more time one has, the more risk one is typically willing to take.

The goal changes dramatically when one retires. Now the primary goal is no longer accumulation and growth. Now the primary goal is to set things up in such a way that the retirement assets stretch at least as long as — or longer than — one’s life span. Because the goal has changed, many people have found it beneficial to also change the product they use to accomplish their goal. They prefer to have their money in a product that gives safe growth with no risk of loss.

This is especially important when the goal also changes from accumulation to distribution. In other words, you are no longer putting money away for retirement; you are now drawing on your retirement assets to supplement your income.

It is a proven fact that if one has two accounts, one variable and one fixed, both yielding the same average growth rate and both set up to provide systematic distributions, the variable account will go down as much as one third faster than the fixed account.

The decision as to what financial product to use for retirement assets depends on whether the goal is to grow or to stretch.

5000713410 Randall S. Behnke

Financial Advisor

We make 401(k) rollovers easy!Whether you have a new job or an old 401(k),Integrity Investments & Insurance can help.Call our experienced Financial Advisor,Randy Behnke, to discuss your rollover options:686-8222.

Securities and investment advice offered through Capital Financial Services Inc.• Broker Dealer • Investment Advisor • Member FINRA •SIPC

3121 Calumet Ave.Manitowocwww.livelifesecure.com

WI-5001399452

Open House Thursday 1-3pm

WI-5001399473

818 State StreetManitowoc, WI 54220

920.682.0118

1124 Main StreetKellnersville, WI 54215

920.732.3535

1122 South 8th StreetManitowoc, WI 54220

920.682.1568

IIt just makes sense to prepare for the inevitablewhile emotions are at rest and heads are clear.Pre-planning Specialist Mike Jarzin is availableto answer your questions and provide theguidance you need to make educated decisions.Call Mike today to set up an appointment.

Some decisions are too

to be rushed.

©2009F.A.C.Marketing

Mike JarzinPre-planning Specialist

important


A STORY BY TERENCE KILROYOne of the pleasures of having a role-model big brother occurs when it is discovered that he has clay feet. I felt wonderful when it happened to me. The occasion for this delight came from my older sisters telling the story of my big brother, Jay, playing kip.“Playing kip” was the term that was used in the 1930s for being hooky from school. It seems that Jay belongs in the Guinness Book of Records for being the boy who played hooky at the earliest opportunity. Or at least tied for it. He played kip on his very first day of kindergarten.My older sisters had him in charge on that memorable day. They dropped him at the school with strict instructions. He was to enter the big entry door of the school, to ask how to find the kindergarten, and to be a good boy. That done, the two sisters went chattering on their way to their own grammar school a few blocks farther on.What had not been accomplished by their stern instructions was to change the scamp in his heart. As Jay neared, the school door took on the appearance of a giant press that would squeeze the joys of childhood from his life. He saw no reason to end the delights of

freely gadding about as he had all summer.He devised a simple plan of escape. He would walk in the front door and go right out the back. This plan actually worked. He asked no questions and none were asked of him. He pushed the emergency bar on the rear exit to find a fine wooded area where he could play all morning. No one saw him while he romped among the trees, threw rocks at squirrels and studied bugs.The clanging lunch bell was followed by a surge of children heading for home and food. Jay joined the crowd to meet with the sisters for the walk home. They were most interested in gabbing about old friends, new boys in the class, and assessing the teachers. They had little interest in his day. He pretended to like listening to their boring stories. That was his ruse to avoid any probing into his school day. His routine was the same on the second day. But this time on the walk home his big sister, Joyce, thought to ask him about his education. What had he learned? Clever liar that he was, he told how he had practiced counting and naming colors. Joyce did not pursue this questioning. But she had begun to smell a rat.

Jay had known his numbers and colors since he was four. In fact she was the one who taught him.When the three met for the walk home on day three, Joyce decided to put her suspicion to a test. She would ask point plank: “Jay, did you play kip at school?”She guessed that he would probably lie. Another strategy was needed. “Now, Jay, before you answer, I am going to tell you the story that we read in school today. Maybe, then, you’ll learn what happens to liars.”The story she told him was this. A poor boy, named Nimbu, lived in a far away country. His mother had given him their last coin to buy food. As he left, she said to him: “Hide this coin carefully, Nimbu. There are robbers in the forest who will want to steal from you. If they do, we shall have no food.”Nimbu cleverly hid the coin in his turban. He did meet some robbers on the road, but his trick fooled them. They could not find the money. But these bad men guessed that he did have money since he was going to the market. So they brought Nimbu into the forest where he was brought before the Robber King. The Robber King said to Nimbu: “Young boy, do you have any money on you?”“Yes, I do,” said Nimbu. “My mother tells me that I must always tell the truth or I will be a bad person. I

Playing KipTerence Kilroy, 77, is retired and lives in Manitowoc. he is the author of a book of short stories, “Mr. Kilroy’s stories for all seasons,” and another book called “Manitowoc, it’s our Pleasure.” he can be reached at [email protected].

Playing KiP continued on page 10

SKILLED NURSING CARE &REHABILITATION SERVICES

Dedicated to serving the needsof our Community

in a Caring, Resident-centeredEnvironment.

• Caring compassionate staff• Medication management• Individual care plans• Assistance with activities of daily lifeincluding: dressing, grooming, and bathing

• Home-cooked, nutritious meals and snacks• On-site physical, occupational andspeech therapies

• Supervised activities• Hospice/Respite care available

• Full-body whirlpool• Laundry and housekeeping services• Interaction and involvement with thecommunity

• Cable television• On-site religious services• On-site beauty salon/barber shop• On-site podiatry, optometry, dental andaudiology

• 24-hour emergency placement

1 Hamilton Drive, Two Rivers • 920-793-2261

MEDICARE & MEDICAID CERTIFIEDWI-5001400814


alpacas Provide Second CareerStOeR SaYS COMMItMeNt IS KeY tO SUCCeSS OF lONDON DaIRY RaNCh

Kevin stoer holds roving that spinners use to make skeins of yarn. Photo by Deb horn

STORY BY DEB HORN 50 Plus correspondent A second career owning an alpaca ranch suits Kevin Stoer of Two Rivers very well.His first career was teaching vocational agriculture in Mishicot from 1975 to 1986, along with agribusiness courses and counseling at schools in Green Bay before retiring in 2009 to put his efforts full-time into LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch, 6827 State Highway 147, Two Rivers.Stoer started out with two male alpacas in 1996. “I was really seeing how much labor they took because I didn’t want to get into anything that was too intense because I was still working in the school system,” he said.By the end of that year, he had purchased four female alpacas and “it just sort of grew from there” as he fell in love with the gentle, curious creatures.Those first years, co-owner Wade Gease did most of the work during the day while Stoer was teaching.“I would get up in the morning and give grain to all of them before going to school because I wanted to see them, but when it’s pitch black outside, you don’t

notice things that you do when it’s light,” he said.

Stoer prides himself on knowing the alpacas very well. “Being raised around livestock my whole life, I notice things before most people do. I can tell when an animal is off, and maybe they’re just off because they have an upset stomach but sometimes if I think something else is going on, I might take their temperature, I might look at their respiration rate, look at their feces.”

Raised on FarmThe 58-year-old grew up on the Stoer farm on State Highway 147 north of Two Rivers. It has a long history, dating back to 1877 when the farm had pigs, chickens and dairy cows. The original house was built by his grandparents, Walter and Viola, using trees from their woods. They started bottling milk in the 1920s and continued until 1995.

Walter at age 14 took over the farm from Stoer’s great-grandfather Joe, who died young. He bought out a lot of people who were farming at that time, “so at the heyday of this farm, we were about 700 acres, and now we are about 350,” said Stoer.

Nine acres are under pasture now and the rest is

• Rent is 30% of adjustedgross income

• All utilities included• On-site laundry facilities• Off-street parking• Monthly Activity Schedule

• Hot noon meals available• Affordable DirecTV packageavailable

• ON BUS ROUTE(Bus stop at front door)

• Near grocery store, restaurant,medical clinics & park

Spacious

1-Bedroom

Apartments

Available

memedidicacall cclilininicscs && pppppararkk

MANITOU MANORAPARTMENTS

1433 No. 6th Street Manitowoc • 684-5865http://manitoumanor.weebly.com

SpaciousSpacious

-Bedroom-Bedroom

Apartments

Apartments

A ilableA ilable

Come Seeour NewlyRemodeledLobby

Those 55 & olderor for adults

with disabilities

WI-5

0013

9943

9

Meaningful

Thinking Cremation?

John BodwinLicensed Pre-Need Counselor

Your locallyownedFuneral Homes

All-CareCremationCenter

Two Rivers793-1396

Valders775-4433

Manitowoc684-4642

Advanced Planning Makes Sense

Please call to arrange a tour of our award winning cremation center,Manitowoc County’s newest and largest facility.All-Care offers a wide rangeof cremation options as well as a reception center for family gatherings.

Appropriate AffordableWI-5001399420

All-Care Cremation Center928 South 14th Street Manitowoc


alPacas continued on page 9“little” and “Big” are twin females born recently at londonDairy alpaca ranch. only one other set of alpaca twins has lived that were born in the united states, according to Kevin stoer, who owns the ranch. Photo by Debra horn

rented because they don’t make their own hay. “I need a specific protein content and the calcium/phosphorus ratio has to be correct for the alpacas, so I can look at lots of test reports and decide what hay is best to bring in here,” said Stoer.They have 80 of their own alpacas and also board another 22 on the ranch from other farms and different states. Alpacas will breed throughout the year, but LondonDairy times the breeding so that the babies are born from May through September because the weather needs to be dry.“The alpacas have become very Americanized now. When my first girls came in from Chile, when it rained and they were out in the field, they would actually just sit down right there because there was no shelter. But here there is shelter so now it’s a mad rush for everything that has got a lean-to like they’re going to melt,” said Stoer.About the AlpacasEach alpaca has its own name and personality. They’re all registered. Blood is drawn and DNA is taken to prove their parentage.There are two types of alpacas, Huacaya and Suri. The Huacaya look like big cotton balls and the Suri have fiber that hangs down like pencil locks. “Because we like to show people the difference between the two, we have both,” noted Stoer. They have four Suri females and the rest are Huacaya.“What I’m noticing is the Suris are a little bit more skittish,” he said. “There are certain alpacas here that you can just walk right up to and there are certain ones that you will never be able to

WI-5001400823

Winner

Is a hospital recovery in your future?

Rehab With The Best!

With Focused Rehab at Manitowoc Health andRehabilitation Center you can be assured the best care inrecovery to get you home as safe and quick as possible.

A team that is committed to getting you better and getting you home.

Call today to reserve your stay (920) 323-4603.2021 South Alverno Road • Manitowoc, WI 54220

www.manitowochrc.comWI-5001400650

Sonnenburg BuildersPlumbing Center2125 N. RAPIDS ROAD, MANITOWOC

PHONE; 684-3399 • 684-6733

Stop by our Showroom and check outour New Safety First Walk in Showers

Don’t let a fall in your bathtubcause a broken hip.

b Sh d h k


down1. “tWO aND a halF MeN”

NetWORK2. UNGUlate’S FOOt3. ____ ROMeO4. “SeMPeR FIDelIS” tO U.S.

MaRINeS, e.G.5. *FeatUReD BateS MOtel6. IS NOt7. NatIONal aCaDeMY OF

eNGINeeRING8. *he DIReCteD “alIeN”9. haVING WINGS10. leSOthO MONeY11. De-WRINKleR12. taRt SPICINeSS15. FaINt20. What SOMe PaRKS DO22. OWNS24. SWellINGS OF the

thYROID GlaND25. *ClaRICe WaNteD theM

SIleNt26. “thOU _____ NOt eNVY”27. ShORt FOR CORDelIa29. ORIGINal hOMe OF the

SaxONS31. It ItCheS32. MaKe DRINKaBle

33. SCOtt _____, NeWBeRY MeDal-WINNING ChIlDReN’S aUthOR

34. atteNtION-SeeKING36. aUStIN POWeRS’ ____-Me38. lIKe aRIzONa IN SUMMeR42. _____ PatCh45. SteeP49. Salt IN MexICO51. *SCIeNtISt-tURNeD-INSeCt

FlICK54. CaUSe aND eFFeCt CYCle?

56. BIRD OF PReY NeSt57. *”CUJO” aND “MaN’S BeSt

FRIeND” FeatUReD theM58. RalPh IN SPaNISh59. It COVeRS 8.7% OF

eaRth’S SURFaCe60. OCCUPIeD BRItaIN IN PRe-

ROMaN tIMeS61. *”ROSeMaRY’S ____”62. SODa POP ReCYClaBleS63. IMMeNSe66. OPPOSIte OF PRO68. “____ aND DON’tS”

CROSSWORD: SCaRY MOVIeS

aCross1. hIS/heR RIGht aRM IS

RaISeD IN BOxING6. DePORtING aGeNCY9. alIGht, PaSt teNSe13. WeSteRN NeCK

ORNaMeNtS14. CUl De ___15. CO-exIStS WIth FaUNa16. ONe WhO’S OVeRlY

SeNtIMeNtal17. ReCeNt OR NeW, PReFIx18. WORRY OR CaUSe

aNxIetY19. BIGWIG21. *VIeWeRS OF thIS DIe IN

7 DaYS23. UNIt OF eleCtRICal

ReSIStaNCe24. *MIChael MYeRS’ MOVe,

e.G.

25. aCID DRUG28. KICK OUt30. eaSY ON/OFF

ClOthING35. thROat-CleaRING

SOUND37. *____ PaxtON, OF

2009’S “the laSt hOUSe ON the leFt”

39. PIaNO PRaCtICe PIeCe, e.G.

40. a.K.a. FReNCh SUDaN41. BeYOND SUBURB43. alGONqUIaN PeOPle

lIVING IN CeNtRal CaNaDa

44. RUSSIaN CRePeS46. aRaBIaN ChIeFtaIN47. KePt IN CeRtaIN State48. ReSUltS OF ChIlD’S

OUtDOOR PlaY?

50. MINeRS’ PaSSaGe52. BOUNDaRY WateRS

eNtRY POINt53. COUNteRFeIt55. NORWeGIaN “taKe ON

Me” BaND57. *Bela lUGOSI

ChaRaCteR61. Feet-FIRSt DelIVeRY64. DeSeRt haVeNS65. ORIGINallY the RaDIO

CORPORatION OF aMeRICa

67. INteNDeD tO DeCeIVe69. ShReWDNeSS70. la COSa NOStRa, e.G.71. JaRGON72. FlOOR PlaNK73. “IS It ___ WONDeR?”74. MaNY aFFIRMatIVeS

solUTions on page 11

SUDOKU

RN’s • Therapists • Bath Service • CompanionsHospice • Housekeepers • Money Minders

Lynn Seidl-Babcock, RN/BSNOwner/Administrator

1004 Washington Street • Manitowoc

684-7155www.homecarehealth.orgWI-5001399454

Join us at ourFREE Warm Up Station for theLakeshore Holiday ParadeWednesday, Nov. 23rd

Professionally Managed By:Bob Gregurich • 683-3042

• One and two bedroom with full kitchen and appliances• Patios and decks• Coin-operated laundry in all buildings• Off-street blacktop parking with heater plug ins

• Across the street from Village Park• Seniors 62 and over• Handicapped or disabled 18 years of age and over• One block from a grocery store

PARK LANE APARTMENTS • 416 PARK LANE • MISHICOT, WI

Rent based on 30% of income, less medical WI-5001399436

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS • LOW-RENT HOUSINGFOR SENIORS OR • HANDICAPPED, DISABLED


alPacas continued from page 7

walk right up to because some of them were purchased from other farms and they weren’t handled as much. I try to handle the babies as much as I possibly can so they are used to our touch.”They have had more than 400 births on their ranch and have lost only one baby. “I’m very anal about the babies, nursing and things like that. I’ve given up Packer games, I’ve given up shows, I’ve given up going on vacation because this is a commitment to me… They only have babies during the day generally, and that’s from being in the wild because they had to dry off themselves and they had to run.”Although the alpacas usually don’t need any help birthing their babies, many times Stoer will have to go out with a towel and an old hairdryer to dry off the baby if it’s wet weather so their temperature doesn’t fall too low, and then keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get too much sun.“It’s just a way of life here, so one of us is around all the time in the summer during the day when they’re having babies,” he said.Stoer pointed out that cows and pigs always give signs, but alpacas give no signs that they’re going into labor. “They can be eating grain one minute and 15 minutes later giving birth,” he said.They do go to shows and win a lot of ribbons, “but once a female is pregnant on this ranch, she never leaves the ranch again. I’m not into winning ribbons at the expense of a female losing a pregnancy. Forget that. It’s isn’t worth it to me.”Stoer added, “Some people believe it’s okay to breed these old girls and then sell them to someone else. I have too much respect for the animals. They will stay here the rest of their lives.”Case in point is Miomi, who is over 20 years old. She has been retired from the

breeding program for five years now without having a cria (baby).“When nursing the cria takes so much out of the mother and it’s hard to get the weight back on, then it’s time that she be retired from the breeding program because I don’t want them to die because they’ve been maxed out,” he said.Bred for fiberThe alpacas are bred for their fiber. They average 7 pounds of fiber per year per animal. There are 22 natural alpaca colors, ranging from white to black and all the earth tones in between. “This is what I think spinners and knitters like,” said Stoer.The natural durable fiber is three times warmer than sheep’s wool and is as soft as cashmere. “And 95 percent of the people that are allergic to sheep’s wool are not allergic to alpaca,” Stoer noted. That is because alpacas do not have lanolin glands,which produce the oily substance that can be itchy to the skin.Their gift shop, located in the old bottling plant, contains roving that spinners use, as well as skeins of yarn and items made out of alpaca fiber including socks, mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, shawls, jackets, sweaters, rugs, and even teddy bears. It is usually only open by appointment, but the three days after Thanksgiving it will be open for business each day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.When Stoer isn’t feeding the alpacas their grain and hay morning and night, and taking care of moms and babies, he is maintaining the grounds, giving tours or manning the gift shop. He also attends area festivals and shows occasionally, but mostly you will find him at the alpaca ranch.“I love this,” he stated. “This is what I want to do the rest of my life as long as I’m able to get out there.”

WI-5

0013

9945

5

www.northlandlodgewi.com

Concerned AboutMemory Problems?

“the old Two Rivers Hospital”

WI-5001400817

Early detection is important.

Take action.Get answers.

Free confidential

memory screenings.

Northland Lodge2500 Garfield St.

Two Rivers920-794-6922

Tuesday,November 15th10am to 1pm

WI-5

0013

9979

7

Call: (800) 236-8687www.lamerstour.com

9979 979777777

CC ll (8(88000) 236 8687

Give the Gift of Travel!Gift Certificates Available in AnyAmount for that Traveler on Your List!

Together We’re Going PlacesMAKE YOUR RESERVATION

Together We’re Going Places™

Orlando DirectFebruary 11 | 9 Days$959 per person DBL

Washington DCMarch 24 | 8 Days$1,389 per person DBL

San Antonio &LegendaryTexas TownsMarch 5 | 10 Days$1,489 per person DBL

MANITOWOCTRAVEL SHOW

Wednesday, November 9at 6:30pm

Make Your ReservationsTODAY!

Gulf CoastLeisure Condo Stay

Panama City BeachJanuary 30 | 33 Days

Starting at $2,359per person DBL

GET-AWAYS!Together We re Going Places

2012WINTER


aDRC: Beware Of Unofficial Insurance Plan Website

JUDY RANK | for 50 Plus!The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a consumer alert of a website that has the appearance of being an official government website for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. The Affordable Care Act has made health insurance through a plan with this name available to people who have a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition.The website — http://preexisting conditioninsuranceplan.com — is not maintained by any government programs and you are encouraged not to submit any personal information requested by this website under the assumption that it is a government website.Individuals interested in the new federally backed pre-existing condition insurance program should visit: www.pcip.gov or call 866-717-5826.

Medicare EnrollmentOpen enrollment for Medicare Part D and Advantage Plans (Part C) is from now until Dec. 7. After this time you will not be able to change your 2012 plan. Medicare Part D is the federal government’s prescription drug program. These plans are from private companies that contract with Medicare to provide this benefit. Plans change every year. The costs of drugs, the drugs covered on the formulary, and management of these plans change. It is important to review your plan during open enrollment to be certain you are still in the most cost effective plan.Appointments can be made at the Two Rivers Senior Center, the Manitowoc Senior Center, and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to see a trained specialist for a review. Specialists will be able to advise and assist in changing plans, and help you understand your options if you are faced with rising costs because of being in the gap during the year.Anyone currently enrolled in an Advantage Plan offered through Network Health should have received a notice that Walgreen’s will not accept this plan at its pharmacy for drugs. Members will either have to change pharmacies or change to a different plan.Individuals whose income is at or below 150 percent of the poverty level, which is $1,361.25 a month for a single person, and $1,838.75 for a couple, along with having assets of less than $11,140 for a single person, and $22,260 for a couple, may be eligible for extra help in paying for drugs and the Part D premium. You

may apply online for the extra help at: https://secure.ssa.gov or contact the ADRC for assistance. Anyone on both Medicare and Medicaid or the Medicare Savings Program automatically has the full subsidy.Thanksgiving MealsNo one needs to be alone for Thanksgiving this year. The following agencies have notified the ADRC that the public is welcome to participate in a meal at their facility:

Two Rivers Senior Center, 1520 17th Street, Noon: Traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Open to individuals and families of all ages. Donation basis. Volunteers are welcome. Please make reservations by calling (920) 793-5596. Transportation is available for Two Rivers residents living within the city limits.

Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, 2300 Western Ave.: In the cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Traditional dinner for individuals and families for a minimal cost. Home delivery is available only for those currently receiving home delivered meals in Manitowoc. This meal is provided in conjunction with the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Manitowoc County.

Warrens Restaurant, 905 Washington St., Manitowoc: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free Thanksgiving dinner intended for those of any age who have nowhere to spend the holiday. Reservations appreciated. Transportation available by calling the restaurant at (920) 682-2533 and asking for Mary, preferably a few days in advance.Caregiver Support GroupFamily caregivers are invited to be a part of the Family Caregiver Support Group that meets the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Glab Lounge at Felician Village. This support group is targeting the non-dementia family caregiver, and is not disease specific. The next meeting is Nov. 8. No prior registration is necessary.Honor VeteransNov. 11 is Veterans Day. It is a time to honor the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Please do your part and remember our veterans.Judy Rank is executive director of the Manitowoc county aging and Disability Resource center.

Playing KiP continued from page 5

have a coin hidden in my turban.”At that the Robber King groaned and wept aloud. “Ay! If only I had been as honest as this boy in my youth. But now I have become a robber.” With that, he gave Nimbu another coin and wished him well on his journey to the market.When Joyce finished her story, she stopped walking. “Now, Jay, you have heard the story. Tell me. Did you play kip today?”Jay trembled on the edge of the abyss to which he had been brought. What could he do to avoid the sad fate of the Robber King? Should he throw his life away? What was his best move?The truth is he lied. He said: “No, I didn’t play kip today.”The lie did not succeed. On day four Mother went with him to school to guarantee that he begin on the road that made him into the good brother that helped me in my youth. But it gave me a nasty joy to learn that he had been the same lying scamp that I was.

WI-5001400151

��

��

��

��

WI-5001399474 ��

Visit us today and learn moreabout these special services:

• Personal Medication Counseling• Daily Delivery• Prescription Compounding• Online Refills• Bubble Packaging• Automatic Refills with ourSmartFill Program

• One Price Plan–Get a Large Supplyof Your Medication and Save


Wild Wild West

CaCtUSChaPSCORRalCOWBOYGUNFIGhthORSelaSSOMaRShallRaNCheRRUStleRSalOONSheRIFFShOOtOUtStaGeCOaChStaMPeDeWaGONtRaIN

Wild Wild West

N M C A K H N L D W S S B S D

H I A M E Q A F Q E N H J E S

J H A R F S Y T J O W O Y U I

X C H R S R V J O U Y O E J P

G A J O T H E L R E L T S U R

D O U C L N A H Q S C O X M W

W C B S O S O L C B P U B J M

H E L R J W J G L N E T G I Q

O G A U E B B S A D A F H M Y

R A R F P Y H O E W O R L P D

S T R A K E F P Y S P A H C B

E S O A R H M G U N F I G H T

C Z C I C A C T U S Q P C N W

U C F W T T G J O S L Q D X M

D F H S B R B E L O D Z J E Q

CACTUS

CHAPS

CORRAL

COWBOY

GUNFIGHT

HORSE

LASSO

MARSHALL

RANCHER

RUSTLER

SALOON

SHERIFF

SHOOTOUT

STAGECOACH

STAMPEDE

WAGONTRAIN

Apartmentsavailableboth

locations

“We Care About Our Residents”

NowTAKINGAge 50 & Up

2 Great LocationsFor Comfortable Senior Living

Subsidized apartments for the elderly

Village Green West2602 Forest Ave., Two Rivers • 794.8713

Village Green East2401 Polk St., Two Rivers • 794.7961

WI-5

0013

9944

3

• Spacious one-bedroomapartments

• Utilities included

• On-site Resident Managers foryour convenience & security

WI-5001399422


for comfort of skilled careDesigned for living with beautifully decorated and lovely gardens, Shady Lane offersskilled nursing care for short or long-term care, therapy services, social services andhospice care. Medicare and Medicaid Certified.

for the joys of home without the workFrom two bedroom apartments to single bedrooms with private bathrooms,Laurel Grove offers a variety of assisted living options to meet your needs.Enjoy the gardens, optional activities and care-free living. Starting atjust $1,300 a month including meals!

for planning to get better . . .Recovering after an illness, joint replacement or surgery is a team effort. In fact,it could be called "Team You"! We offer physical, occupational and speech therapy,respiratory services, pain management and neurological, orthopedic and cardiacrehabilitation. Medicare and Medicaid Certified and some private insurances.In-patient or Out-patient Services.

Find out why people...

Think ofUsFirst

Manitowoc’s only not-for-profit citizen directed care facility.1235 South 24th Street • Manitowoc,WI • www.shadylaneinc.com • 920-682-8254

CommunityDedication -This year, as Shady Lane, Inc. celebrates sixty yearsof quality care, we reflect on the dedication of ourboard, our staff, our donors, our residents and ourcommunity – all those we have served through

quality, affordable care.

WI-5001399457

Documents

50 Plus-November 2011