50+ Living

esTZMay 2011

Special Focus:A how-to guide toaging-in-place• Home sweet home:

Aging-in-place is the newest trend in 55+ living

• Walk-in to safety: Jean Holmconverted her tub to ashower and loves itA salute

to WallyCommunity cheersWally Pikal’syears of musicand service

2 ZEST / May 2011

4.11

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ZEST / May 2011 3

Contents

4 Letter: Adult Day Services open doors

6 Money: Help parents stay on the track to security

8 SPECIAL SECTION: Home sweet home: A guide to aging-in-place

12 Feature Story: Walk-in to safety: Jean Holm lovesher bathroom upgrades

16 News: Course offers tips in investing for retirement

17 Medicare Answers: What does Medicare cover?

18 Travel: South Dakota rich in history and mystery

20 Wellness: Know the facts for healthy bones

21 Wellness: Get a bone-density test

22 Cover Story: A salute to Wally Pikal

25 Out and About: A church in miniature form

26 Comfort Foods: Try breakfast for dinner

28 Puzzles

30 Last Word: Grief: You are not alone

May 2011Vol. 2 No. 3

zestforlife.mnesTZ

Give Mother Nature a hug

April 22 was Earth Day. The occa-sion when people around the worldare encouraged to stand up for ahealthy, sustainable, world. The dayis set aside to nudge us to takeaction. I compare it to New Year’sDay when we make our first stridestoward keeping our New Year’s reso-lutions. On Earth Day, those resolu-tions are geared toward the planetthat is our home.

My experience and awareness ofenvironmental issues was fairly lim-ited until I entered college. There Ibegan to understand that protectingthe Earth is more about an attitudeof compassion and stewardship thanit is about protests and tree hugging.

With that new knowledge storedin my brain, I look back at my daysgrowing up on dairy farm and real-

ize how lucky I was to have had thechance to enjoy mother nature. Thedays my brothers and I spent turn-ing the farm land into our own per-sonal playground were some of myhappiest.

The farm taught me the soil andlivestock would only give as good aswe put into them. I understand whatit means to value the land, water,and animals. Without them my fami-ly would have suffered.

Even though Earth Day haspassed, it is not too late to take thesmallest steps toward making ourworld a bit prettier and a bit happierplace to be.

I also hope the stories in this issueof Zest bring a smile to your face.The cover story this month cele-brates the long career of Wally Pikal.Pikal was recently honored for hisachievements in music and radio.

Zest’s special focus for May is onthe topic of aging-in-place. Todaymany older adults are choosing toremodel their homes to suit theiraging needs to stay independent.Read about some of the projects youcan undertake to make your ownhome more user-friendly.

As always, I welcome your feed-back and ideas. You can reach mevia e-mail at winter@hutchinson-leader.com or by sending a letter toHutchinson Leader, 36 WashingtonAve. W., Hutchinson, MN 55350 orLitchfieldIndependent Review217 N. Sibley,Litchfield, MN55355.

All the best!Katie Winter

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Letters

PUBLISHED BY

Litchfield Independent ReviewPO Box 921

Litchfield, MN 55355(320) 693-3266

Hutchinson Leader36 Washington Ave. W.Hutchinson, MN 55350

(320) 587-5000

NEWS

ADVERTISING

Crow River Press170 Shady Ridge Road NW

Hutchinson, MN 55350(320) 587-2062

Katie Winter, reporterwinter@independentreview.net or winter@hutchinsonleader.com(320) 693-3266 or (320) 234-4172

N020

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esTZ

Shari Forsman, advertising representativesales@crowriverpress.com

(320) 234-4171

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“Making Life Pleasant for Residents”

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Adult Day Services open doorsBy Tracy Hassan

For some people, getting old makesit hard to get out of the house andspend time with others. If you livenear Hutchinson, it doesn’t have to bethis way.

Adult Day Services is a programwhich helps the elderly get out oftheir homes and socialize with others.Four days each week, Adult DayServices organizes a comfortable,pleasant environment for the elderlyand infirm at Hunters RidgeCommunity Church in Hutchinson.

What a difference it can make toget out, see other people and maybemake some new friends. Offered byHutchinson Area Health Care, AdultDay Services offers an array of socialactivities, daily living skills, andhealth education and monitoring.

Social activities: The Adult DayServices Program provides a place tobelong and a group to identify with.

People can sit in a recliner by the fireand chat, or do crafts, or maybe evenjust take a nap. Participants enjoy avariety of social and recreationalactivities, including sharing hobbies,holiday celebrations, and fun outingsto local restaurants, apple orchards,historic sites and places of interest.

Daily living skills: Individuals inthe program participate in activitiesthat deal with every day living. Thereis time to help with individual healthand wellness issues and to connectparticipants with resources for finan-cial or medical concerns. Staff alsooffer assistance with meal planning,shopping and other daily living skills.

Health care: The staff nurse pro-vides health education, health moni-toring, assistance with personal needsand coordination of health aspects ofcare in cooperation with the partici-pant’s physician. A general exerciseprogram is scheduled daily. A physicaltherapist consults and provides edu-

cation for participants quarterly atAdult Day Services.

Nutrition: A morning and after-noon snack and a full noon meal areprovided each day. Special diets areaccommodated, per physician orders.

Eligibility: The program is open toany adult age 60 or older who is phys-ically disabled, isolated or in any wayexperiencing problems associatedwith aging. Adults under 60 who havephysical or psychological disabilitiesmay also be eligible.

Transportation: Transportation toand from home is arranged, usuallythrough Trailblazer Transit.

For information about cost and tosee if there’s room for you or a lovedone, call 320-234-4630 between 8 a.m.and 4 p.m. on a Monday, Wednesday,Thursday or Friday – or drop byHunters Ridge Community Church.

Tracy Hassan is the marketing execu-tive at Hutchinson Area Health Care.

ZEST / May 2011 5

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By Jason Alderman

In many families, personal financial details aren’talways shared freely, especially between generations. Butif you’re not familiar with your parents’ financial situa-tion, you may be doing them – and yourself – a disservice.

Even with parents currently in good health, it’s wise tobecome familiar with their financial, medical and legalrecordkeeping so you’ll be able to step in and help out ifneeded. You may have to walk a fine line between appear-ing nosey or controlling and not spotting warning signalsthat something may be amiss.

When you visit your folks, keep an eye out for: • Unpaid bills, late payment notices or utility shut-off

warnings.• Hints they sometimes must choose between filling

prescriptions and buying food, heating or other necessi-ties.

• An overabundance of junk mail, unlikely magazinesubscriptions or cheap prizes, which could indicate theymay be targets for aggressive telemarketers or get-rich-quick schemes.

• Unnecessary “home improvements” that may indicatethey’ve fallen prey to con artists. Or conversely, signs thatthey can’t afford needed repairs.

• Signs of overspending or other indicators they’re liv-ing beyond their means.

• Uncharacteristic secretiveness or defensiveness, possi-bly indicating they’re embarrassed about money problemsor afraid their independence would be at risk if they con-fide in you.

Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations about your par-ents’ finances. While it might be awkward at first, youmay in fact put their minds at ease by showing that you’relooking out for their best interests. A good way to raise thesubject is to ask their advice about your own situation.For example, bring up concerns about your own retire-ment planning then ask if they have adequate savingsthemselves.

Organize. One of the biggest problems people of allages have with their finances is getting organized. Offer tohelp your parents create, and periodically update, filescontaining:

• Details of all major possessions and relevant paper-work (such as property deeds, car registration, jewelry,etc.)

6 ZEST / May 2011

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ZEST / May 2011 7

MoneyFinancial Focus®

Have Your Parents Made Their Financial Plans?As an adult, you’re fortunate if you still have your parents. However, as they get older, you may well have toassist them in some key areas of their life. Specifically, they may need you to get involved in some of theirfinancial issues. And if you do, you may need to focus on two areas: leaving a legacy and managing financesduring retirement.

While initiating these conversations may not be easy for you, it is important, and you may find your parentsmore willing to discuss these issues than you had thought. In any case, if your parents haven’t already doneso, encourage them to work with an estate-planning professional to develop the necessary legal documents,which may include wills, trusts and financial durable powers of attorney. These documents and services canbe invaluable in helping individuals find efficient ways to pass assets from one generation to the next. Anestate-planning attorney can identify which arrangements are the most appropriate for you and your family.

In your discussions on leaving a legacy, you may also want to bring up the topic of the beneficiary designa-tions that may appear on your parents’ life insurance contracts and qualified plans, such as 401(k)s andIRAs. If the family picture has changed in recent years, and your parents had intended to change these des-ignations, they should take action sooner rather than later.

While your parents need to deal with the legacy issue, they still may have plenty of years of living ahead ofthem — and they might need help managing their money during these years. For starters, you may want tohave a discussion about their savings, investments, insurance and so on, and where these assets are held.Are they kept in banks or investment companies? Do your parents have safe-deposit boxes? This knowledgecould be valuable if you ever become involved in managing or distributing your parents’ resources.

Also, you might want to talk to your parents about the income sources they may be drawing from during theirretirement. For example, how much are they taking out each year from their 401(k)s and IRAs? They don’twant to withdraw so much that they deplete their accounts too soon, but at the same time, they would nodoubt like to maintain their standard of living in retirement. You may want to suggest to your parents that theyevaluate their investment portfolio for both growth and income potential — because they will need both ele-ments during a long retirement.

If your parents aren’t already working with a financial advisor, you may want to encourage them to do so.Managing an investment portfolio during retirement is no easier than doing so during one’s working years —and there’s less time to overcome mistakes. A qualified financial advisor can help your parents choose theright mix of investments that can help meet their needs.

During the course of your lifetime, your parents have done a lot for you. You can help pay them back by doingwhatever you can to assist them in managing their financial strategy.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones

does not provide legal advice. Please consult a qualified legal advisor on all issues related to estate planning.

MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING

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N02361 Z

• Outstanding debts(mortgage documents, carloan papers, medical bills,etc.)

• All income sources,including Social Security,pension, 401(k), IRA, andpersonal savings.

• Bank accounts, creditcards, safe deposit box andinsurance policies, includ-ing password, agent andbeneficiary information.

• Will, trust, power ofattorney, health care proxyand other documentsshowing how they wanttheir affairs handled.

• Past income taxreturns, and accountant orfinancial advisor contactinformation.

Budget. Chances are,your parents’ medical,insurance, food and otherinflation-impacted billshave risen faster thantheir income – and recentstock market downturnscertainly haven’t helped.Your parents need to knowexactly how much moneyis coming in every monthand how much is goingout. If they don’t alreadyhave a detailed budget,offer to help create one.

Consult an expert. Afinancial planner can helpyou and your parentsunderstand the many tax,income and expense impli-cations of retirement. Ifthey don’t already have aplanner, www.plan-nersearch.org is a goodplace to start your search.

Take care of these finan-cial planning details now,so that when your parentsneed your help, you’ll beable to give them your fullattention.

Jason Alderman directsVisa’s financial educationprograms. Sign up for hisfree monthly e-Newsletterat www.practical-moneyskills.com/newslet-ter.

8 ZEST / May 2011

Special:Aging-in-place

STAFF PHOTO BY KATIE WINTER

Aging-in-place is an option that incorporates universal housing design, safety and convenience equipment, andin home care services to keep older adults in their homes.

HomeSweet

HomeAging-in-place is the newest

trend in 50+ living

ZEST / May 2011 9

Special:Aging-in-placeBy Katie Winter

There’s no place likehome, and manyolder adults know it.

With declining home val-ues and the climbing cost ofhealth care, many 50-plusmen and women are optingto age-in-place, never trad-ing in the comforts of homefor the world communitycare.

Aging-in-place is anoption that combines uni-versal housing design, theinstallation of safety andconvenience equipment,and in-home care servicethat enables older adults toremain at home whileensuring their needs aremet. Aging-in-place is anoption that is best suitedfor people who are function-al on all activities of dailyliving.

Choosing this optionopens some homeowners upto a set of particular chal-lenges, especially if theirhouse is not suited foraging. For this group, nowis the time to remodel ortweak potentially danger-ous areas in the home –such as the kitchen andbathroom – to ensure theyare easy to navigate andwill not present safety haz-ards later in life.

“There are a few simplechanges homeowners canimplement over time –without breaking the bank– to make their homessecure for later years,” saidEric McRoberts, head of theAmerican Institute ofArchitects’ Design for Agingcommittee. “And you don’thave to sacrifice style.”

An AARP survey in 2010found 33 percent of adultsages 45 or older have madechanges to their currenthome to stay there longer.

And a NationalAssociation of HomeBuilders survey done in fall2009 found that such

design features as step-freeentrances, levered doorhandles instead of knobs,electrical outlets higherfrom the floor and enoughclearance in kitchens andbathrooms for wheelchairswere becoming common-place in new home con-struction and remodelingjobs.

Eliminate hazards One of the most difficult

parts of aging in place isdetermining what will bedangerous later in life.

The biggest step to takeis to reconfigure your homeso that all of your day-to-day living activities takeplace on the main floor ofthe home. If necessary,move laundry, bathroomsand the master bedroom tothe house’s main floor. Byeliminating the need forsteps, tasks around thehouse will be much easier.

According to the NationalSafety Council, most fallsin the home occur in thebathroom. Walking on wetfloors, stepping in and outof the shower and risingfrom the toilet are all activ-ities that can greatlyincrease the risk of a fall.

To make a bathroommore secure, consider put-ting in two or three attrac-tive looking grab bars inthe shower, lever handleson faucets, higher toiletswith non-slam seats andlids and slip-resistant rugs.Another modification toconsider is installing a cur-bless shower, which elimi-nates the need to step overanything and can be rolledinto if a wheelchairbecomes necessary later.

Also, make sure thetowel bars are secure, aspeople might grab ontotowel bars if they feel theyare about to fall or need toregain their balance.

Look downAnother element of a

house to examine is theflooring. Seek out areaswhere the floor surfaces areuneven or change from onematerial to another.

For example, if yourhome contains both carpetand hardwood flooring,install transition strips totack down places wherethese surfaces meet. Allflooring in the house shouldbe smooth, non-glare andslip-resistant. Carpetshould be low density, witha firm pad. Use color and/ortexture contrast to indicatechange in surface levels.

All within reach At older ages, certain

motions, like reaching upor bending down, can putunnecessary stress onjoints and cause injury. To

mitigate this risk,McRoberts suggests adopt-ing universal design –small design adjustmentsand basic retrofits thatmake everything in a roomeasily accessible.

For example, turn cabi-nets into drawers. Anarchitect can help indesigning a facade that stilllooks like a cabinet door,but actually has shelvesthat slide out, eliminatingthe need to reach inside. Orconsider raising or loweringshelves, eradicating theneed to bend and stretch.

Installing a microwaveoven at counter height or inwall and side-by-side refrig-erator/freezer make prepar-ing meals more convenient.

Similarly, putting appli-ances like front-loading

Universal Design projects have kept builders busy.

10 ZEST / May 2011

BEFORE

AFTER

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Transform an existing tub into a shower!

Make the bathroom safer by converting your bathtub into an easily accessible shower unit.

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washers and dryers on one,easy-to-reach level willreduce risks. The washingmachine and dryer shouldbe raised 12 to 15 inchesabove the floor.

Improving lighting andaccess to outlets make mov-ing around the house easiertoo. Add recessed fixturesin common areas and hall-ways. Lower light switchesand thermostats; raise out-lets.

A helping handWhen the time comes to

implement these modifica-tions, consider hiring aCertified Aging in Placespecialists to do the work.CAPS certified profession-als are trained on theunique needs of olderadults. They know how tomodify homes for aging andaddress the most commonbarriers in a home.

To locate a CAPS profes-sional in the area, visit theNAHB website,www.nahb.org.

The upside

The traditional optionsfor long-term care, such asnursing homes and assist-ed-living facilities, requirea larger monetary invest-ment and tend to uproot

residents from their homesand communities.University of Missouriresearchers claim theyhave found that aging-in-place is less expensive andprovides better health out-comes.

Marilyn Rantz, professorin the Sinclair School ofNursing at the Universityof Missouri said “aging-inplace enables most olderadults to remain in thesame environment andreceive supportive healthservices as needed.

“With this type of care,most people wouldn’t needto relocate to nursinghomes,” she said.

In a four-year analysis ofaging-in-place, the totalcare costs for residentswere thousands less thantraditional care options.Costs for living and healthcare never approached the

Special:Aging-in-place

To make a bathroom more secure, consider putting intwo or three grab bars in the shower.

ZEST / May 2011 11

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Special:Aging-in-placecosts for nursing homesand assisted-living services.

Moving to a typicalassisted living facility cancost between $2,000 and$5,000 each year inMinnesota. The cost towiden the bathroom door,put in safety bars and aroll-in shower would typi-cally cost about $6,000 to$8,000, but it’s a one-timeexpense.

The National Associationof Home Builders predictsthat aging-in-place remod-eling already is a $20 bil-lion- to $25-billion-a-yearbusiness, about 10 percentof the total home improve-ment market.

In addition, aging-in-place residents haveimproved mental and phys-ical health outcomes,claims authors Paul andLori Hogan in their book,

“Stages of Senior Care.” Init, the Hogans list the fol-lowing aging-in-place bene-fits:

• Aging-in-place main-tains a familiar environ-ment for older adults sothat they can continue tolive in their own surround-ings without making adrastic change.

• It fosters communitycontinuity, which meansseniors can continue to fre-quent their usual grocerystore, drugstore or otherplaces in which they arecomfortable shopping andasking for help.

• It maintains valuablesocial networks, often keep-ing contact with neighborsand friends nearby.

• It has a way ofstrengthening family andfamily ties.

• It promotes physical

and mental well-being, justbe continuing to keep thesenior in a home wherethey often have raised theirfamily.

Decisions, decisionsAging in place is not the

only option for care later inlife and it is not necessarilyright for everyone. Somedrawbacks to think aboutare:

• There is a low to mod-erate investment in homeequipment and home modi-fications, but the cost canbe high depending upon theextent and nature of modi-fications performed.

• Lead time may beweeks for determiningneed, finding a contractor,and completing modifica-tions for individual homeremodels outside a villageenvironment.

• Without home modifi-cation, structural barriersin the home may presentchallenges and contributeto falls and injuries.

• Seniors may be resist-ant to home modificationsand the installation of help-ful technology.

• More pressure andexpectations are placed oncaregivers.

• Costs of home care pro-fessionals or nurses mayneed to be covered.

• Even after home modi-fications an individual maystill need nursing homecare in the future.

It important to have adiscussion with family andeven your doctor to deter-mine what is best. The keyis to start planning early,be thorough, involve familyin the process and revisitthe plan regularly.

12 ZEST / May 2011

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May Is Healthy VisionMonth

It is estimated that 14 million Americansare visually impaired. This number is expectedto increase as our nation ages and age relateddiseases become more prevalent. Many blind-ing eye diseases have no signs or symptoms,so many people do not realize anything iswrong with their vision until it is too late.Early detection and proper treatment can helpsave your sight.

Here are some simple things you can do toprotect your vision...1. Have a comprehensive dialated eye exam2. Know your family’s eye health history3. Eat right to protect your sight 4. Maintain a healthy weight5. Wear protective eyewear6. Quit smoking or never start7. Be cool and wear your shades8. Give your eyes a rest with computer work 9. Clean your hands and your contact lenses

properly10. Practice workplace eye safety

At Regional Eye Center, our doctors can goover these things in more detail to protect yourvision.

Special:Aging-in-place

STAFF PHOTOS BY KATIE WINTER

Jean Holm is perfectly happy in her rural Dasselhome thanks to a couple of bathroom upgrades.

Walk-into safetyJean Holm turned

her tub into ashower and lovesthe convenience

ZEST / May 2011 13

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Special:Aging-in-placeBy Katie Winter

For a few years now Jean Holm’sright knee has been acting up.The joint does not bend as

effortlessly or as comfortably as itonce did, making everyday tasks suchas stepping in and out of the showermore challenging for her.

So a few months ago, she decided todo something about it. She hired acompany to fit her bathroom withsafety features that make it moreuser-friendly.

Holm’s bathtub was converted intoa walk-in shower. The company shehired removed a section of the bath-tub wall, creating a lower wall heightfor easier access into and out of thebathtub. Holm now only has a fewinches to step over to enter theshower.

“Its so much easier if you can justwalk-in,” Holm said. “Most everybodycan step over that little bit. So it’sworked out very well. I’ve just been

very pleased with it.”Originally, Holm had planned on

removing her bathtub completely andreplacing it with a shower stall. Aftershopping for tile, getting price esti-mates and learning more about whatwas all involved in the project, Holmopted for the simpler and less expen-sive option of converting her bathtub.

“All in all this was the simplestway to go,” Holm said. “It would’vehad to be Sheetrocked, tiles put inand a drain would need to be remod-eled. It was cheaper than to rip it allout and start over again.”

Every year, millions of older adultssuffer a fall in their home. Many ofthese accidents are the result ofobstacles in the home. According tothe CDC, each year, one in everythree adults age 65 or older suffers afall. In 2009, 2.2 million nonfatal fallinjuries among older adults weretreated in emergency departments. Atleast one-third of all falls in the elder-ly involve environmental hazards inthe home.

Holm had little desire in becomingpart of those statistics. Besides thechanges to her bathtub, Holm alsohad a grab bar installed on the show-er wall. The bar gives her a solid fix-ture to grasp so she can keep her bal-ance better. It also makes her feelmore confident stepping in and out ofthe shower. The peace of mind thisbrings is an added bonus for Holm.

Holm’s concerns are commonamong her age group. Many 50-plusmen and women worry about losingthe ability to live safely and comfort-ably in their own homes, especiallythose like Holm who live alone. Holmthough has taken steps to protect herindependence.

Along with an easier-to-use bath-room, she had hardwood floorsinstalled and her sunroom is plumbedand wired for a washer and dryer. Forthe time being the appliances are stillin Holm’s basement, but they can beeasily installed upstairs when it’s nec-essary.

Continued on page 15

14 ZEST / May 2011

HOMETOWN REALTY, INC.130 Washington Avenue E., Hutchinson, MN 55350

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N02160 Z

A car dealer for the times in Hutchinson

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Special:Aging-in-place

(Right) After the procedure, whichinvolved a technician removing asection of the bathtub wall andrebuilding a lower wall, Holm haseasier access to her shower.

(Left) Jean Holm hired a compa-ny to create step-through access toher bathtub and shower. Beforethe project, Holm’s bathroom con-tained a regular bathtub andshower combination.

ZEST / May 2011 15

Special:Aging-in-place

Continued from page 13“I’m very active and I’m very independent,” Holm said.

“As long as I have this place, (I’ll stay). It’s small andserves its purpose very well. If I need I can move mywasher and dryer up, then I’m all set.”

While the conveniences of her home make life easier, itis the support network of family and friends that affordHolm her independence. She has two sons who live nearby and who check in on her regularly.

“They take care of me,” Holm said. “They keep my drive-ways open and do odds and ends stuff.

“I have two St. Bernard dogs,” Holm continued. “Theykeep track if a strange car comes they go down and checkit out. So it’s worked out well.”

The possibility of one day moving in with family or to anassisted living facility has crossed Holm’s mind. She is notcompletely averse to the idea, but she would like to put itoff for as long as possible.

If the time comes and I have to move, I will,” Holm said,“but as of present I have no intentions. I like the inde-pendence. I can come and go as I please. I really like that.”

In the future, Holm may need to make a few morechanges to her house. The success of her bathroomupgrades makes her confident that future changes will beequally rewarding.

“I’d absolutely recommended it,” Holm said. “I had somefriends who I told should come see my bathroom becausethey couldn’t imagine what I’d done. It’s very nice. I’vebeen very satisfied with it.”

FACT:Bathroom safety upgrades

accounted for more than 60percent of all remodeling projectsin 2008. Installing grab bars led the

way at 78 percent and curblessshowers came in third at 60

percent.

– National Association of Home Builders

16 ZEST / May 2011

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ZEST

News

University of Minnesota Extension has developed a newonline course that teaches the basics about saving andinvesting for retirement. “Invest Now: Money inRetirement” is an inexpensive, online course designed tohelp make sense of investments and retirement.

The online course, which costs $25, will give people thebasic education they need to start investing for theirfuture. Some of the topics the course will cover include:

• Selecting the best investments for you• Finding money to invest• Employer Retirement Plans and IRAs• Investment decision criteria• Understanding Social SecuritySome people save for retirement by contributing to

employer-sponsored retirement plans such as 401k and/orpersonal retirement plans such as IRAs.

Sharon Danes, an Extension family economist who ledthe course development said, “The question many people

have is, ‘Am I saving enough now to live the same lifestylethat I am currently living?’”

The answer to that question is that they might not besaving enough, according to data from a 2010 EmployeeBenefit Research Institute study on retirement readiness.

That study found that almost 45 percent of GenerationXers (age 36-45) are at risk of not having sufficient retire-ment income to pay for “basic” retirement expenditures, aswell as uninsured health care costs. That risk increasedfor Early Boomers (age 56-62) of whom nearly one-halfwere found to be at risk. Approximately 44 percent of LateBoomers (age 46-55) appeared to be at risk.

“Income levels are not the only reason people don’tsave,” said Danes. “Some people say that one of the deter-rents to saving and investing for retirement is their lackof knowledge about how to do it.”

Visit www.extension.umn.edu/FinancialSecurity/invest-now to learn more.

Course offers tips forinvesting for retirement

ZEST / May 2011 17

Medicare Answers

The Senior Community of Hutchinson

Oaks & Pines

• 1 or 2 BR Apartments• Social Activities• Medication Administration• Meal Plan• 24-hr Staffing• All Utilities• Housekeeping and

Laundry Services

For information or to arrange a tour, call Berit Spors at 320-234-0865

Independence. Community. Security.

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Now Featuring Memory Care

Dear Marci,I’m turning 65 in a few months and I’ll be signing

up for Medicare. I know that Original Medicare hascopays and deductibles. How would a Medigap planhelp me pay those costs?

— AustinDear Austin,Medigap plans are supplemental insurance policies you

can buy to help cover some of the costs you have to pay ifyou have Original Medicare. If you don’t have other insur-ance coverage to help pay your Medicare costs, such asretiree insurance, you might want to think about getting aMedigap.

There are currently 10 different Medigap plans you canbuy: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. The plans are stan-dardized. This means all plan A’s cover the same benefitsno matter which insurance company you get the planfrom.

Medigap rules changed in June 2010. Plans sold beforeJune 2010 have slightly different benefits than the planson the market now. Two new plans have also been added.These are plans M and N. All Medigap plans sold starting

June 1, 2010 must cover:• Hospital copay: This is the amount you must pay each

day during an inpatient hospital stay.• 365 additional hospital days beyond what Original

Medicare covers• Part or all of the coinsurance for Part B covered serv-

ices: The Part B coinsurance is the amount you pay foroutpatient services such as doctor visits, x-rays and labtests.

• Hospice coinsurances: The hospice coinsurance is 5percent of the cost of inpatient respite care.

Some Medigap plans also cover:• Part B deductible• Hospital deductible• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance• Emergency care outside of the U.S.Not all Medigap plans are available in all areas.

Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin have their ownMedigap systems. Call your state insurance department tofind out which plans are available in your area.

— Marci

What does Medicare cover

18 ZEST / May 2011

Travel

RILEY’STravel Easy Tours

1-800-288-8246www.rileytours.com

Pella Tulip Fest ..............................................................May 5-7Music Cities..................................................................May 9-17Cape Cod ...................................................................May 20-28Black Hills ...................................................................June 11-14Yellowstone/Tetons ..............................................June 15-21Toronto & Niagara Falls ....................................June 22-29New York, New York ....................................June 23-July 1Alaska Northbound ...............................................July 14-30Canadian Rockies ...................................................July 15-23Alaska Fishing Adventure............July or August dates8 Day Alaska Circle ...............................................July 16-2311 Day Alaska Explorer.......................................July 20-30Oregon/California.............................................August 17-28Shipshewana .................................................September 6-10Nova Scotia .................................................September 13-26Mackinac Island........................................September 15-18New England States .............September 28-October 11

N02669 ZCall for pick ups in your area

2011 MN Twins GamesApril 28 ..............Tampa BayMay 25 .....................SeattleJune 16 ..Chicago White SoxJuly 20 .................ClevelandAugust 10 .................BostonAugust 21 New York YankeesSeptember 17 ......ClevelandSeptember 22 ...........Seattle

208 N 12th St. Box 346Kerkhoven MN 56252

320-264-29871-800-525-0730

www.rustadtours.cominfo@rustadtours.com

New York City & Washington, DC .............June 15 – 26Black Hills & Medora ...............................June 27 – 30Canadian Rockies .......................................July 7 – 15Alaska Fly-back .........................................July 14 – 30 Nova Scotia......................................July 21 – August 6Alaska Direct ............................................August 1 - 8 Folklorama ...............................................August 6 – 9Mississippi River Cruise .........................August 15 - 18Mackinac Island ...................................August 21 - 25Yellowstone National Park Tour ............August 24 – 29Pacific Northwest ..............................September 3 – 19New York City ..................................September 6 – 15

Rustad Tours 2011 Tour Schedule

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The Black Hills of South Dakota are rich with vari-ety. Nearby Rapid City is a vacation destinationwith something for everyone. The city offers a vari-

ety of shopping, dining, historical attractions and outdoorrecreation.

It is also only 25 miles from one of America’s most iconiclandmarks – Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Alsonearby are the Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands NationalPark and much more.

For tourists up for adventure, they can try their hand atfly fishing, rock climbing, ATV riding, hiking or bikingalong the 109-mile Mickelson Trail. Then there is theoption of taking a buffalo safari jeep ride through CusterState Park where 1,300 bison roam the 71,000 acre park.

Mount Rushmore National MemorialThis year marks the 70th anniversary of this “Shrine to

Democracy” and vacation “must-see.” The faces of fourAmerican presidents—George Washington, ThomasJefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln—arecarved from a granite mountainside high above the tree-tops of the Black Hills. Carving took 14 years to completeand cost $1 million.

Crazy Horse MemorialDedicated to the Lakota Sioux leader who triumphed

over Custer at Little Big Horn, this memorial will one daybe the world’s largest sculpture. Equipped with only asledge hammer, a single-jack drill bit and a box of dyna-mite, Boston-born sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski went to

South Dakota rich inhistory and mystery

work on June 3, 1948, creating his 563-by 641-foot sculp-ture of an Indian man atop a spirited warhorse. Thiswould later be called Crazy Horse Memorial. Sixty yearson, work still continues on the world’s largest sculpture.The dimensions are staggering. The mountain-sized stat-ue is as long as a cruise ship and taller than 60 stories.

Badlands National ParkBadlands National Park is a place of beauty, serenity

and refuge. From the moment visitors enter the park, theyenter a landscape of incredible natural beauty where500,000 years of erosion have created fantastic shapes inthe soft rock. The Badlands Loop Road winds through amaze of canyons, buttes and spires, with several trails andscenic overlooks. Past these features is the wildernessarea, a wind-swept prairie that is home to herds of wildbison and bighorn sheep. Visitors are invited to walk asfar as they like into this free and serene environment, ordrive to wildlife viewing areas including a prairie dogtown. Those who stay overnight can enjoy a beautiful sun-set, sunrise and starry night sky.

Rapid CityRapid City has plenty of attractions and sites that are

off-the-beaten path. Visitors will discover interesting andquirky sites throughout the city.

• The Chapel in the Hills: Tucked in the foothills at

the western edge of Rapid City, the Stavkirke is a replicaof the 830-year-old Borgund Church in Norway. TheChapel in the Hills is a free attraction and is open untildusk. Worship services are conducted nightly in the sum-mer. The church features intricate wood carvings, strangedragon heads and pegged construction that make it asbeautiful as it is unusual.

• Wall Drug: Just 50 miles east of Rapid City onInterstate 90, this site is a wacky must-stop for road trip-pers on their way to or from Rapid City. The 76,000-square-foot attraction includes photo props, interactivedisplays, shops and food. Wall Drug got its start duringthe Great Depression when wise entrepreneurs offeredfree ice water to thirsty travelers.

• Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway: Rapid City is a basecamp for driving in and around the Black Hills area. PeterNorbeck Scenic Byway winds in front of Mount Rushmorethrough the pigtail bridges of Iron Mountain Road and thegranite spires of the Needles. Nemo Road runs alongsidepine forests, meadows and mountain creeks and joins withHighway 385 leading to the historic mining town ofDeadwood.

• Dahl Arts Center: Check out a 200-foot canvasmural depicting 200 years of American history. A year is alot to cover in 12 inches, but the mural at the Dahl ArtsCenter manages the task.

For more information, visit www.travelsd.com.

ZEST / May 2011 19

Travel

The Badlands of South Dakota offer staggering and dramatic views. The area is a dream for sightseers, hikers andadventurers.

20 ZEST / May 2011

Wellness

Most adults recall a time or times when their moth-ers insisted they drink their milk. Though itmight not have been preferred at the time, adults

might now recognize Mom was doing her best to help herkids build and maintain strong bones.

Those who didn’t listen to Mom might find themselvesamong the 44 million Americans whom the NationalOsteoporosis Foundation estimates live with osteoporosis,a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk ofunexpected fractures.

But why milk? While milk alone won’t prevent osteo-porosis, dairy products like milk are rich in calcium, anessential nutrient for building and maintaining strongbones. In addition, getting an early start is especiallyimportant, as the NOF notes that roughly 85 percent to90 percent of adult bone mass is acquired by age 18 ingirls and age 20 in boys.

What is osteoporosis?Osteoporosis is often mistaken as a condition that only

affects little old ladies. While osteoporosis is most com-mon in older women, anyone can develop it. As many ashalf of all women and a quarter of men older than 50 willbreak a bone because of osteoporosis, which many menand women are not even aware they have until that ini-tial injury occurs.

What happens when a person has osteoporosis?When discussing osteoporosis, it’s best to first discuss

osteopenia, a silent condition the precedes osteoporosis,often robbing bones of their strength. Osteopenia is relat-ed to bone mineral density, which measures the levels ofminerals in the bones. When BMD levels are low, a per-son is said to have osteopenia, which can, and often does,gradually become osteoporosis.

When a person has fractured a bone, he or she mightalready have osteoporosis. When osteoporosis has estab-lished itself, the bones have weakened and become thinand are highly susceptible to fracture. For example, it'snot impossible for a person with osteoporosis to lift a bagof groceries and break a bone or suffer a collapsed verte-bra in the back. Such a task might otherwise seem trivial,but to a person with osteoporosis, no physical activity iswithout risk.

Can osteoporosis be prevented?Fortunately, osteoporosis and any resulting fractures

can often be prevented. As previously mentioned, thanksto bone mass development it’s important for parents toencourage kids to increase the amount of calcium in theirdiet. Milk and dairy products, preferably low fat versions;

dark green leafy vegetables (including broccoli, collardsand kale); and calcium-fortified orange juice are greatsources of calcium.

Another way to prevent osteoporosis is to exercise regu-larly. Routine exercise helps strengthen bones and mus-cles and prevent bone loss. Weight-bearing exercises,which include walking, jogging and even dancing, donethree to four times a week are the best for preventingosteoporosis. Strength and balance exercises also helpavoid falling, decreasing the risk of broken bones.

Adequate calcium is necessary to prevent osteoporosis,but men and women must also make sure to include vita-min D in their diet. Vitamin D, which can be found ineggs, fatty fish (including salmon), cereal, and even somesupplements, is necessary for the body to absorb calcium.Research continues to indicate that people are simply notgetting enough vitamin D. Discuss vitamin D with aphysician to determine the best way to get more of it inyour daily diet. A vitamin D supplement might be themost viable option.

To learn more about osteoporosis, visit the NationalOsteoporosis Foundation at www.nof.org.

Osteoporosis: Know thefacts for healthy bones

A bone-density test uses special X-rays to measurebone minerals.The test is a simple way for a doctorto diagnosis osteoporosis.

ZEST / May 2011 21

Wellness

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N026

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Office: 320-587-2720Toll Free: 877-587-7177

Fax: 320-587-5007

Dear Mayo Clinic:How do I know if my osteoporosis medication is working?Answer:Treatments for osteoporosis reduce — but don’t complete-

ly eliminate — your chance of breaking a bone. So how canyou judge whether your medication is having a positiveeffect? The most common approach is bone-density meas-urement. This test uses special X-rays to measure howmany grams of calcium and other bone minerals aredeposited into a segment of bone. If your treatment isworking, the measurement should at least remain stableand may increase somewhat.

Bone-density tests are easy, fast and painless. Virtuallyno preparation is needed. In fact, some simple versions ofthe bone-density tests can be done at your local pharmacyor drugstore.

Most experts recommend getting a follow-up bone-densi-ty measurement one or two years after you start treat-ment. If your bone density is found to be falling significant-ly, your doctor may need to re-evaluate your response tothe therapy.

In addition to medication, you should also be takingother steps to maintain bone health, such as taking calci-

um and vitamin D. It’s also important that you not smokeand that you avoid excessive use of alcohol. In addition,make low-impact, weight-bearing exercise, such as walkingand strength training, a part of your daily routine.

Beyond that first follow-up bone-density measurement,you don’t really need further testing. But many womenchoose to continue the tests to reinforce the value of theirtreatment and feel positive about taking their medication.That's better than stopping treatment after a year or two— which about half the women taking medication weeklyfor osteoporosis do.

These bone-density checks and talking with your doctorabout the reasons for staying on your medication are rea-sonable ways to monitor and feel positive about your treat-ment. If you opt for regular bone-density testing, you’llprobably be tested every two years. The interval mayincrease to every three years or longer, depending on yourbone density test results.

Blood and urine tests that measure markers of boneturnover also may be helpful in knowing if your osteoporo-sis medication is working as expected. Talk to your doctorabout whether these tests are a good option for you.

— Bart Clarke, M.D., Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic

Get a bone-density test

22 ZEST / May 2011

Cover Story

STAFF PHOTOS

About 700 members of the “Pickle Patch” packed into the Hutchinson Mall for Wally Pikal’s 84th birthdayparty. Pikal entertained the gathered with a song on his trumpet.

A salute to WallyCommunity cheers Wally Pikal’s

years of music and service

ZEST / May 2011 23

By Kay Johnson

and Katie Winter

All you have to do is mention hisname — Wally Pikal — andyou’re guaranteed to attract a

crowd.KDUZ radio recently recognized the

local musician at the HutchinsonMall. The celebration paid homage tothe 45th anniversary of Pikal’s radioprogram, “The Pikal Patch,” and his84th birthday.

“I think it’s a nice idea,” Pikal said.“I’ve been in music all my life withthe band, the store, the radio stationand shows. When you put it alltogether, it was a nice life being amusician working all these things.”

“Wally is deserving because he’s oneof the finest musical people in thestate of Minnesota,” said LesterSchuft, KDUZ account executive andfellow musician. “He has proved him-self and his musical ability for I don’teven know how long.”

A career in musicPikal’s “happy music” — traditional

German polka songs — have beenpart of the local music tradition sincehe played his first professional job asa senior in high school with the JerryDostal Band.

A trumpet player, Pikal made aname for himself when he learned toplay two trumpets and eventuallythree at the same time.

Pikal’s performance playing twotrumpets while jumping on a pogostick was such a novelty that itearned him a spot on Johnny Carson’s“Tonight Show.”

Pikal launched his own band, WallyPikal & the Dill Pickles, in 1950. Theseven-piece band toured throughoutthe Upper Midwest for more than 30years.

In 1978, Bruce Bradley and WallyPikal formed the group, the Bradleys.They traveled the Midwest.

This multi-talent launched “ThePikal Patch” radio show in the 1960s.He also opened his own music store

Cover Story

Wally Pikal launched his own band,Wally Pikal & the Dill Pickles, in 1950.The seven-piece band toured throughout the Upper Midwest for more than 30 years.

Mike Glieden, left, handed Wally Pikal a birthday card at Pikal’s 84th birthday party atthe Hutchinson Mall recently.

24 ZEST / May 2011

Cover Story

along Main Street in downtownHutchinson in 1964, which he juggledwith music gigs — about 120 dates ayear.

Pikal’s tour schedule over the yearshas put him on stage at theMinnesota State Fair, several countyfairs, Europe and Hawaii. Closer tohome, he has played weddings, polkafestvals and Hutchinson’s Music inthe Park.

In 1999, Pikal was inducted intothe Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inNew Ulm.

Although Pikal claims he’s retired,he continues his popular radio pro-gram, “The Pikal Patch,” airing at9:05 a.m. Friday mornings, plus hecan be found playing solo or with hisband at venues such as the McLeod

County Fair, Meeker County Fair andJackpot Junction.

In memoryPikal is an original member of the

Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squadand continues to serve at local veter-ans’ funerals and play “Taps” at veter-ans events.

Party timeOn the day of the celebration, about

700 members of the “Pickle Patch”packed into the Hutchinson Mall tosend happy birthday wishes to Pikalon the occasion of his 84th birthday.

Pikal’s band, composed of bandmembers from the past and present,performed several songs. Guests,

many of whom have been dancingalong to Pikal’s music for decades,took to the dance floor.

KDUZ radio treated the crowd withhot dogs and a live episode of Pikal’sradio show.

“I appreciated all the people thatcame,“ Pikal said. “I heard there wasa traffic jam after the show wasdone.”

Not slowing downPikal will have a full schedule in

the coming months as summer musicevents heat up. Many communitiesalready have Pikal written on theircalendars for upcoming fairs, festivalsand parties. Pikal still enjoys enter-taining audiences and hopes to con-tinue for as long as possible.

(Below) Wally Pikal ability to play two trumpetswhile jumping on a pogo stick earned him a spoton Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show.”

For 45 years,Wally Pikal has broadcast“The Pikal Patch,” a radio program thatairs on Friday mornings.

ZEST / May 2011 25

Out and About

N02

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ZEST

Village Cooperative1300 Sherwood St. S.E., Hutchinson320-234-7761 mornings

www.realifeinc.comwww.villagecoopofhutchinson.blogspot.com

Are you at least 55Retired or still working, but tired of shoveling snow and doing house maintenance and repairs

Rather have time for fun stuff

Call for a tour and learn how easy life can be

living in Village Cooperative of Hutchinson.

There is nothing to do but move in, relax

and enjoy!

A place to call homeApartments for seniors

55 and older

?

? ?

A church in miniature formSisters Mary Kielty, SharonLindquist and Pat Vick, andtheir brother Jim “Buck”Shelley remember the origi-nal St. John’s CatholicChurch in Darwin with fond-ness.Their memoriesprompted them to have areplica of the church builtfor display at the Twine BallMuseum in Darwin. Built in1878, St. John’s was the cen-ter of many Darwin families’faith lives until it wasreplaced by a new buildingin 1959.

26 ZEST / May 2011

Comfort Foods

Southwestern ScrambleFrom Nestlé Carnation Milks

Ingredients:• 8 large eggs, well-beaten• 2/3 cup (5 fluid-ounce can) Nestlé Carnation

Evaporated Milk• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Mexican blend cheese,

divided• 2 tablespoons diced green chiles• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper• Nonstick cooking spray• 2 medium or 3 small corn tortillas, cut into thin strips• Mild salsa, chopped avocado and/or sliced green

onions (optional)• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

(optional)

Preparation1. Combine eggs, evaporated milk, 1/2 cup cheese, chiles

and black pepper in medium bowl.2. Spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Place

tortilla strips in skillet and heat over medium heat, stir-ring occasionally, until strips are lightly browned.

3. Pour egg mixture into skillet. Cook, stirring frequent-ly, until eggs are cooked. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cupcheese. Top with salsa, avocado and/or green onions, ifdesired. Serve along with beans. Makes 4 servings

Breakfast PizzaFrom Pace Foods

Ingredients:• 1 tablespoon butter• 1/4 cup chopped onion• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper• 1/4 cup chopped Canadian bacon• 1 (12-inch) prepared pizza crust• 8 eggs, beaten• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper• 3/4 cup Pace Picante sauce• 2 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation:1. Heat oven to 400°F.2. Heat butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.

Add onion, pepper and bacon, and cook until vegetablesare tender.

3. Place pizza crust onto a pizza pan or baking sheet.Place in oven to warm.

4. Stir eggs and black pepper into skillet. Cook and stiruntil eggs are set. Spoon egg mixture onto pizza crust. Topwith picante sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.

5. Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinklewith cilantro. Cut pizza into 6 slices.

Hearty Sausage Mini QuichesFrom Jimmy Dean Foods

Ingredients:• 1 package Regular Flavor Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage,

cooked, crumbled and drained• 8 eggs, lightly beaten• 1/4 cup milk or water• 1/2 to 1 cup shredded Cheddar, mozzarella or

provolone cheese• 1 teaspoon salt• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion• 1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper (optional)• 1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms or yellow squash

(optional)• 1 cup frozen Southern-style hash brown potatoes or

diced, prebaked red potatoes (optional)• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation1. Preheat oven to 350°F.2. In large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk or water,

cheese, salt and pepper; set aside.3. Heat olive oil or butter in large skillet; sauté onions

and any optional vegetables desired until vegetables aretender. Add vegetables and sausage to egg mixture; stir.

4. Place 12 foil baking cups into cupcake pan. Distributesausage and egg mixture evenly into baking cups.

5. Bake 22 minutes or until eggs are set. Remove fromoven. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Makes 12 cup-cake-size servings

Try breakfast for dinner

Bring the family together with a springtimebrunch featuring these sausage mini quiches.

ZEST / May 2011 27

Comfort Foods

ExceptionalSENIORLIVING

N02

638

ZEST

EVERGREEN APARTMENTSNow Taking Applications

Senior Community(62+/Handicap or Disabled)

Your life can be carefree at a price you can afford.

5Rental Assistance available 5 Social Activities5Community lounge/kitchen 5Caring Staff 5Spacious 1 Bedroom Apts.5Medical emergency call buttons 5Walking distance to shopping and restaurants

Call for your personal tour today

320-587-9432

*Correction: In the April issue of Zest, we mistakenlyadded an ingredient in the Apple Raisin Bread Puddingrecipe. Here is the corrected version:

Apple Raisin Bread PuddingFrom Marge Berg, Gibbon

Ingredients:• 4 cups white bread cubes buttered• 1 1/2 cup chopped apples• 1 cup raisins• 2 large eggs, beaten well• 1/2 cup apple juice• 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk• 1/2 cup granulated sugar• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon• 1 jar caramel ice cream topping (optional)

Preparation1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 11x7 baking dish.2. Combine bread cubes, apples and raisins in bowl.4. Beat eggs in medium bowl. Stir in milk and apple juice.5. Pour egg mixture over bread cubes, pressing bread

into mixture, let stand 10 minutes.7. Pour into prepared dish. Sprinkle the sugar and cin-

namon over all.8. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until set. Serve warm with

caramel ice cream topping if preferred. Otherwise it isscrumptious plain, too.

28 ZEST / May 2011

Puzzles

When a comfortable, stress-free environment is combined with trained caregivers, people with

Alzheimer’s Disease or related memory disordersexperience a better quality of life.

Prairie Senior Cottages features• 24-Hour On-site Caregivers • Secured Building

• Nutritious Family Style Meals • Specialized Programming• RN Supervision & Case Management

• Medication Supervision • Daily Personal Hygiene• Personal Laundry • Housekeeping

• Personal Transportation • Professional Management

PrairieSeniorCottages, LLC

Built on Preserving Dignity

For more information, call John Peterson.

Prairie Senior Cottages

www.prairieseniorcottages.com

Hutchinson: 320-587-5508Willmar: 320-235-6022

Alexandria: 320-763-8244New Ulm: 507-359-3420 N

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ZEST / May 2011 29

Puzzles

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36 Washington Ave. W.Hutchinson, MN 55350

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classified to area residents. Sell your used items with these

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All answers on page 31

By Robert Hantge

We are very fortunate in centralMinnesota that we have manycaring resources available for

those seeking support following thedeath of a loved one. Besides theresources of our local funeral chapels,we have caring local hospice groupsthat have annual grief support groups,we have a local chapter ofCompassionate Friends that special-

izes in the death of children, we have local health careprofessionals and our local clergy; all providing care andcompassion to those suffering the loss of a loved one.

Grief can be defined many ways, but basically it’s theemotional reaction to a loss. We suffer many lossesthroughout our life, but none stronger than the loss of aloved one at death. Today psychologists and counselorshave taken modern variations of Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s 1970’s Five Stages of Grief, to many losses withinthe larger loss of a loved one. It’s not just the loss of a hus-

band; it’s the loss of someone to take care of the car, theloss of someone who handled specific chores, the loss ofcompanionship, the loss of a co-parent, financial loss, theloss of one’s past and future identity and on and on. I’vealways believed each person’s grief is unique to them-selves and respectively their needs in grieving are alsounique.

Grieving a loss is as important as breathing. Peopleneed to grieve, and we need to create an environment thatallows healthy grieving. Thankfully our society hasevolved to create a healthier environment. It wasn’t thatmany years ago that the grieving were shunned away, andpeople weren’t given the care they needed.

The largest myth is that the grieving should “get overit” by now. The truth is, the grieving never “get over it” –they learn to live with their loss, and the loss becomespart of their life moving for-ward.

Seeking assistance in thegrieving process has alsochanged for the better overthe years. Seeking assis-tance 50 years ago was seenas a sign of weakness.Thankfully, again, it is nowas noble as seeking assis-tance for any other health-related issue. We have won-derful counselors and doc-tors available for thoseneeding professional assis-tance.

McLeod County also has alocal grief support groupcalled Grief RecoveryFriends that has been inexistence for 25 years. Thisgrief support group wasstarted by several local fam-ilies suffering a loss andlooking for someplace toshare their feelings. Sincethey couldn’t find anything – they started their own griefsupport group. Grief Recovery Friends meets monthly onthe second Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Oakland Chapelat the Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson. There are nofees, and it is open to anyone suffering the loss of a lovedone.

Most importantly, you’re not alone. Whether you seekprofessional assistance from a healthcare provider, hospicesupport group or grief support group, there are manyresources available in our communities.

Robert Hantge is the funeral director at Hantge FuneralChapels.

Grief:You are not alone

Local grief supportgroups can help you dealwith a loss.

30 ZEST / May 2011

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ZEST / May 2011 31

Puzzle Answers

Cork boardCork board

N026

43p

Z

In the Hutchinson Mall1060 Hwy. 15Hutchinson, MN 55350Phone: 320-292-9947tim@burleyfireplace.comwww.burleyfireplace.com

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BurleyFireplace & Spa

Katie WinterReporter

(320) 693-3266 or (320) 234-4172winter@independentreview.net or

winter@hutchinsonleader.com

Shari ForsmanAdvertising Representative

(320) 234-4171sales@crowriverpress.com

esTZ

Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm

321 SW 4th St., Willmar, MN 56201 • 320-235-9500

info@thebarntheatre.com • www.thebarntheatre.com

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SUMMER SEASON 2011

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• “DON’T HUG ME COUNTY FAIR”

A musical comedy by Paul Olson & Phil Olson

June 15-18, 21-24, 2011

• “IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY”

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August 10-13, 16-19, 2011

• “A TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL”

A timeless drama by Horton Foote

September 14-17, 21-24, 2011

$39 for All 3 Shows!

Saves 15% over single ticket

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32 ZEST / May 2011

Reclaim your spring

02671Z

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