senior focus

8/2/2019 Senior Focus

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Senior

fOCUSA Special Publication of the Vilas County News-Review and The Three Lakes News

W I N T ER / SPR IN G 2012

Seniors can find health, companionship at the YMCA

Nicolet College offers lifelong learning opportunities

How to generate retirement income during retirement


2/24

Page 2 Senior Focus Winter/Spring 2012

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Eagle River Vindicator Established 1886 Eagle River Review 1890 Vilas County News 1892Publisher KURT KRUEGER Editor GARY RIDDERBUSCH

Asst. Editor ANTHONY DREW Lifestyle Editor MARIANNE ASHTONProduction ManagerJEAN DREW Asst. Production ManagerELIZABETH BLEICHER

Circulation ManagerELIZABETH SCHMIDT Accounting TERRY POSTOGraphic Design SHARINA ADAMS CARLY RATLIFF

NEWS-REVIEW

AdvertisingKURT KRUEGER MADELINE MATHISEN JULIE SCHIDDEL MARCIA HEYER MARY JO ADAMOVICH

VILAS

COUNTY

Published by Eagle River Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 1929, 425 W. Mill St. at Eagle River, WI [email protected] vcnewsreview.com ~ Phone 715-479-4421 Fax 715-479-6242


3/24

Senior Focus Winter/Spring 2012 Page 3

Vilas County Commission on Agingprovides service, support & advocacy

The Vilas County Commission onAging, located at 330 Court Street inEagle River, provides a number of ser-

vices to residents who are 60 years oldand older, their caregivers and fami-lies as well as people with disabilities.

The Commission came into beingfollowing the enactment of the Older

Americans Act in 1965. The act waspassed by Congress to provide commu-nity social services for older persons.

The Vilas County board appointed

the Commission on Aging to coordi-nate the programs and services thatwould benefit area seniors.

One of those services is the seniornutrition program. There are six din-ing sites including Eagle River atKalmar Senior Center, Land O Lakesat 1938 North Supper Club, Phelps atLillian Kerr Healthcare by Rennes, St.Germain/Sayner at Fibbers Bar &Restaurant, Winchester/ManitowishWaters/Presque Isle/Boulder Junction

at Boulder Beer Bar and Lac du Flam-beau at the Lac du Flambeau SeniorCenter.

Hot meals are provided for those 60years old and older and their spouses.There is no set fee, however the recom-mended donation is $4 per meal.

The nutrition program also in-cludes the Home Delivered Meals pro-gram. Volunteer drivers deliver mealsto homebound seniors and theirspouses, who are unable to attend one

of the local dining sites.Meals are served on designateddays and vary by location.

Were here to do the best we can foranyone whos eligible for our services,said Vilas County Commission on

Aging Director Joe Fortmann. Manyof those people are the least able tocare for themselves in our communi-ties.

There are individuals who arehomebound, who see no other face

during the week than the person whodelivers their home-delivered meal,he added.

Fortmann said that cell phones areprovided to all of the volunteerdrivers.

If someone doesnt come to thedoor to answer the knock when a mealis delivered, we want to know. Thatsthe kind of support that we thinkdrives our mission, Fortmann stated.

Other services include an elderly

benefit specialist program, anAlzheimers family caregiver supportprogram, in-home support for care-givers, chore service, grandparentsraising grandchildren, handyman pro-gram and transportation services pro-

vided by volunteer drivers for seniorsor persons with disabilities.

Health and wellness education alsoare provided by the commission.Worksho s include Livin Well with

Chronic Conditions, Powerful Tools forCaregiving and Stepping On, a work-shop to educate participants on safetyand the prevention of falls.

In addition, the Commission willoffer information and assistance to ac-cess the services and agencies neededregarding older adult issues.

Many of the services and programsoffered by the commission are accom-plished with a combination of trained

staff members and volunteers fromthe community.Volunteers of all ages can partici-

pate in a variety of opportunities suchas escort drivers and meal delivery.Some volunteer duties includemileage reimbursement.

For more detailed information onservices, programs or volunteer oppor-tunities, contact the Commission at715 479-3625 or 1- 800 374-1123.

Vilas County Commission on Aging Director Joe Fortmannstated that the mission of the agency is to do the best theycan for anyone whos eligible for their services. Senior citi-zens, family members and caregivers as well as people with

disabilities may use the Commission as a resource for a num-ber of different things including meals, transportation, legal is-sues and various types of support.

--Staff Photo By ANTHONY DREW

Vilas County Commission onAging 330 Court St., Eagle River,WI, (715) 479-3625 or 1-(800) 374-1123. Various lunch settingsthroughout the area provide deli-cious hot meals for those 60 or olderand their spouses. There are no in-come requirements but donationsare appreciated. Call the dining siteone day in advance for reservations.

Locations, service days and thenumber to call for reservations areas follows:

Kalmar Senior Center, EagleRiver Monday to Friday, KalmarCenter, (715) 479-2633;

Phelps Senior Center, Phelps Monday and Friday, Sandy Mut-ter, (715) 545-3983;

State Line Restaurant, LandO Lakes Thursday and Friday,Kathy Niesen ,(715) 547-6071;

The Boulder Beer Bar, BoulderJct. Wednesday and Thursday,Carol Young, (715) 479-8771;

Fibbers, St. Germain Mon-day and Friday, Verdelle Mauthe(715) 542-2951; and

Lac du Flambeau Senior Cen-ter, Lac du Flambeau Tuesdayand Wednesday, Senior Center,(715) 588-4360.

Vilas County senior dining sites


4/24


Oneidas aging office ready to help seniors

The Oneida County Department on

Aging offers older adults and theirfamily members as well as disabledpersons information and assistance ona daily basis.

The department helps guide seniorswith options and services, coordinatessenior and home delivered meals,recreational activities and trips andprovides a host of other services.

According to the departments direc-tor, Dianne Jacobsen, one of the mostunderultilized services is the benefit

specialist assistance.Jacobsen stated that the specialists

serve as red tape cutters. Technicalassistance is provided to anyone 60years of age or older to help with issueswith Medicare, Medical AssistanceMedicare Part D, Medicare Supple-mental Insurance, medical billingquestions or problems, public housingand more.

The specialists are trained by attor-neys under contract of the Area Agen-

cy on Aging.A specialist can be contacted by

phone or an appointment may be madeto meet at the Department on Aging, alocal dining site or even a personshome if necessary.

While there is nofee for this service,donations are accept-ed and are used toprovide additional

services to clients.Every county inthe state has an of-fice to assist seniors,stated Jacobsen.They may have dif-ferent names, however, all provide es-sentially the same services.

Jacobsen said any citizen, whetherin or out of the area, can contact thedepartment with questions concerningsenior issues and staff members will

offer assistance and help to find need-ed resources.

One of the services that is unique toOneida County is a bus service that isoperated within the city limits ofRhinelander.

Additionally transportation is pro-vided through the Lakeland SeniorCenter van service and volunteer es-cort drivers. A small fare is charged forthese services.

Other services include Alzheimersfamily and caregiver support, familycaregiver support, and educational aswell as volunteer opportunities.

There are eight dining sites in Onei-da County, including Oneida SeniorCenter in Rhinelander, Reiter Center

in Three Lakes, Sugar Camp TownHall in Sugar Camp, Lakeland SeniorCenter in Woodruff, Ray Sloan Com-munity Building in Lake Tomahawk,Cassian Town Hall in Harshaw,

Nokomis Town Hall in Tomahawk andSt. Francis of Assisi Church in Tripoli.Home-delivered meals are offered

from each location. For qualificationsor more information, contact the de-partment.

The Department on Aging will move

from its current location by February2012 to the first floor at the previousNorthern Advantage Job Center build-ing, located across the parking lot fromTrigs in Rhinelander.

The department is looking forwardto providing a new and more enhancedprogram according to Jacobsen.

For more information, contact theDepartment on Aging at (715) 369-6170, 1-(800) 379-7499 or visit oneida-countyaginginfo.com.

___________

BY MARIANNEASHTONLIFESTYLE EDITOR___________

Oneida County Department on

Aging 1103 Thayer St.,Rhinelander, WI 54501, (715) 369-6170 or 1-(800) 379-7499. Variouslunch settings throughout the areaprovide delicious hot meals forthose 60 or older and their spouses.There are no income requirementsbut donations are appreciated. Callthe dining site one day in advancefor reservations.

Locations, service days and thenumber to call for reservations are

as follows: Oneida Senior Center,

Rhinelander Monday to Friday,Senior Center, (715) 369-6170;

Lakeland Community Senior

Center, Woodruff Monday to Fri-

day, Senior Center, (715) 356-9118; Reiter Center, Three Lakes

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday,Angela (715) 490-2798;

Ray Sloan Community Build-ing, Lake Tomahawk Mondayand Wednesday, Elaine, (715) 490-2875;

Cassian Town, Cassian/Har-shaw Tuesday and Thursday,Linda, (715) 282-6220;

Nokomis Town Hall, Nokomis

Monday and Wednesday, Judy,(715) 453-1058; and

Sugar Camp Town Hall, SugarCamp Tuesday and Thursday, Jo-lene, (715) 490-1710

Oneida County senior dining sites

JACOBSON


5/24


The staff and facility at the Y is a

big asset to this community, said Lor-raine, a 74-year-old golfer who hasbeen coming to the YMCA for threeyears.

There are many levels of fitnessand activity. There are those who findwalking from their car to the storechallenging, there are those who runmarathons . . . and theres everythingin between.

People often use excuses for whythey dont care for their wellness like

they should. This is true at all ages.Many people think that once they getolder, their ability to achieve wellnessstops.

Nothing could be further from thetruth. Could age be a convenient ex-cuse?

The truth is, whether you weresedentary or active in your youth, youcan get fit or stay fit as an active olderadult. Yes, even if you were never ac-tive in your life, there is opportunity

to achieve wellness in the later years.It happens every day, all the time, atthe Eagle River YMCA, located atNorthland Pines High School.

Its all really a mind game. Yes,there are physical limitations. We allhave them at any age, but the biggestchallenge is getting your mind overmatter. When youre told, Youre tooold to . . ., or you saw your parentsmodel a sedentary lifestyle due to age,you believe it. You truly believe you

cant or shouldnt be active over theage of 60. It becomes an easy excuse tonot exercise. There is truth to If youdont use it, you lose it.

Im not trying to turn the clockback, just trying to slow it down, Lor-raine said.

And thats just what she has beendoing with the help of personal train-ers at the Y in Eagle River.

The Arthritis Foundation has evi-

dence-based classes that promotemovement at all ages. The Eagle RiverY employs trainers who are certifiedto lead Walk with Ease class and TakeControl with Exercise class. These are

very basic movement classes to ensureyou keep your range of motion,strength and flexibility.

If youre not sedentary, the EagleRiver Y also offers Total Body Senior.This is a more rigorous class and is de-signed to increase strength, muscular

endurance, stability and flexibility.The class challenges participants topush out the limits their minds erro-neously set. Participants surprisethemselves when they can do whatthey didnt think they could.

The Y has active older adults whocome in to work out all on their own.These members push themselves oncardio machines and weights. Theycame in not knowing their way around

the gym, received guidance from the Ystaff and got moving.Not only have they gained in

strength and endurance and lostweight, they found a second home,making new friends with other mem-bers and this is what helps all of uskeep moving.

The Y offers active older adults notjust a place to work out, but the oppor-tunity to get involved in community,opportunity to feel connected, to con-

tribute and to love life in the NorthWoods.The Y has volunteer opportunities

for community members of all ages.Something as simple as making a fa-

vorite treat to share during the 12days of fitness can lift spirits (yoursand all others). Or assisting with Par-ents Night Out babysitting once amonth, or handing out water cups atthe Midnight Moonshine 5K run inJuly can get you involved, connected

and part of the community.Dont be shy, come in and try. Findhealth, well-being, fitness knowledgeand companionship, all at the Y.

For more information about theEagle River YMCA Branch, call (715)479-9500.

This article was prepared by JulieJohn, program director at YMCA ofthe Northwoods, Eagle River Branch.

Active older adults who are members of the YMCA of the Northwoods can work outon a variety of machines at the Northland Pines High School fitness center.

The YMCA of the Northwoods Eagle River Branch offers a va-riety of fitness and exercise classes for senior cititzens, both

for individuals and groups. The fitness center is located atNorthland Pines High School. --Contributed Photos

More than fitness classesSeniors can find health, companionship at the YMCA

P 6 S i F Wi t /S i 2012


6/24


Cabin fever can be treatedwith therapy and counseling

As the sunlightdwindles during thesewinter months, do youor a loved one lose en-ergy, lose enthusiasmand feel depressed?

You may have whatsome simply callcabin fever or sea-sonal affective disor-der (SAD).

This is a commonand very real prob-lem, with real treat-ments and real hope,according to a Marshfield Clinic ther-apist.

What is SAD?If you are depressed during the

shorter days of winter, but feel happi-er and more energetic in spring andsummer, you may have seasonal affec-tive disorder, said Mike Megna,LCSW, psychotherapist at the Marsh-field Clinic Minocqua counseling cen-ter.

SAD is a type of depression thataffects you at the same time eachyear, usually in the fall or winter,said Megna. But as the days length-en in spring and summer, the depres-sion lifts.

What causes SAD?Shorter days of winter and lack of

light are one cause ofseasonal depression,especially for peoplewho live in northernclimates where win-ter days are veryshort or seasonal dif-ferences in theamount of daylightare more extreme.However, researchersare studying otherpossible causes, saidMegna.

Who is affected bySAD?

You are more likely to develop sea-sonal affective disorder if you are a fe-male between the ages of 15 and 55,Megna explained. Between 60% and90% of people with SAD are women,and those who have a relative withSAD are more likely to develop it. Peo-ple living farther away from the equa-tor develop SAD more often.

Megna said there are treatmentsand there is help for this problem.Light therapy and counseling mayprovide some options for people withSAD.

For more information about SAD,people can call the Marshfield ClinicMinocqua counseling center at (715)356-1793.

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SECOND GENERATION

In the late 1990s, members ofthe Eagle River community and

Prince of Peace Lutheran Churchfelt that there was a need in thearea to assist adults who were ex-periencing changes in their physi-cal health as well as lonelinessand Alzheimers disease.

DayBreak Adult Center wascreated to help families, care-givers and those they cared for byproviding respite time.

A grant from the Helen Bader

Foundation provided the initial fi-nancial support to open DayBreakAdult Center. Since then, manycommunity partners and friendshave continued the support.

DayBreak is an activities andrespite program dedicated to posi-tively impact the lives of adultswho require minimal care. Partic-ipation in the program promoteshealth, independence and abilityto function.

Caregivers are provided withrelief and support services thatenable them to take a break andreduce stress, thus enhancingtheir lives at a challenging anddifficult time.

Elderly men and women can be

very socially isolated and lack mo-tivation, thus becoming with-

drawn. DayBreaks program pro-vides participants opportunitiesfor socialization, mental stimula-tion, some physical activity andanother purpose in life.

Experienced staff and trainedvolunteers provide a positive at-mosphere through conversation,recreational activities, art andmusic.

Occasionally, community mem-bers share their hobbies and tal-

ents with participants. Weatherpermitting, outdoor activities areplanned. A nutritious noon mealand snacks are served.

DayBreak is an independent501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,certified by the state of Wisconsinand under the direction and su-pervision of an executive directorand a 12-member board of direc-tors.

DayBreak is open every Thurs-day from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. inthe lower level of Prince of PeaceLutheran Church, 5030 Highway70 West, Eagle River.

Visitors are welcome. For moreinformation about DayBreak and

volunteering, call (715) 617-0584.

Trained staff at DayBreak Adult Center provide recreational activities, includ-ing cards, for adults visiting the center. --NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO

DayBreak offers

caregivers support

S i F Wi t /S i 2012 P 7


7/24


SERVE members find opportunitiesat Kalmar Senior Center and beyond

Senior Eagle River Volunteer En-

terprise (SERVE), housed in theKalmar Senior Community Center inEagle River, is an organization thatserves the community with its volun-teer efforts.

SERVE members are active at var-ious community events includingKlondike Days, Cranberry Fest andmore.

With a variety of volunteer oppor-tunities available, there is a job avail-able for anyone.

While the Kalmar Center is run en-tirely by volunteers, anyone is wel-come to participate in the varied activ-ities that take place at the center.

Activities include: Card parties Wednesdays at

12:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Ad-mission is $1 and coffee, soda andtreats are served.

Birthday celebrations are heldonce each month. The name of eachperson with a birthday is entered into

a drawing for a prize. The celebrationstake place before one of the regularlyscheduled noon meals. Meals must bereserved in advance by calling (715)479-2633 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.or 479-3625 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Potluck get togethers are held atvarious times and are open to the pub-lic.

Free blood pressure screening isheld the second Wednesday of eachmonth from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thetime is subject to change.

The greeting card recyclinggroup meets on the first and third Fri-day of each month at 9 a.m. Partici-pants take donated used greetingcards and turn them into new, usablecards. The cards are sold at the center.Proceeds are used to benefit the center.

A foot clinic, Happy Feet, is held

the third Friday of each month. Footand nail care is done by June Wedell,RN, CFCN. Cost for the service is $18for SERVE members and $20 for non-members. The clinic is by appointment

only. To schedule an appointment, call(715) 479-4068 or (715) 617-0076.

The Kalmar Visitors Group visitSERVE members at local nursinghomes or hospitals. To request a visit,call (715) 479-4567.

Computer classes are held everyTuesday in one-hour increments from9 a.m. to noon. A volunteer tutor holdsthe classes free of charge using donat-ed computers and internet service.Sign-up for the classes is required onthe bulletin board at the center.

Members-only bingo is held eachTuesday at 1 p.m. from Januarythrough March. The activity is forSERVE members only as mandatedby state of Wisconsin bingo laws.

Other activities include dances, in-

formational programs, Packer footballparties, movie days and bus trips.An annual Trash N Treasure sale

is held each August with proceedsbenefiting the center.

A Holiday Bazaar and Cookie Saleare held each November. Proceeds pro-

vide fruit baskets for homebound peo-ple, Christmas goodie bags for chil-dren in the Headstart program and adonation to Warm The Children.

A hall including a dance floor andjukebox as well as a meeting room areavailable for rent based on availability.

The Northwoods Carvers is a groupthat meets at the center everyWednesday afternoon.

The group is open to anyone, re-gardless of age or level of ability.While there is no specific instructor,the carvers share their ideas, knowl-edge and experience.

Anyone who is interested in addi-tional information on Kalmar Centeror activities may call (715) 479-2633.

Under the umbrella of the KalmarCenter is the Senior Craft Shop, locat-ed at 211 E. Wall St. in downtownEagle River.

The shop offers an array of items

handcrafted by area seniors.Any Vilas County resident, age 45years old and older or disabled indi-

viduals, are welcome to participateand supplement their income.

Participants must be members ofSERVE and meet requirements as setout by the organization.

For more information or to partici-pate in the craft shop, contact Joyce at(715) 891-7519.

Computer training is held every Tuesday at the Kalmar Senior Center in EagleRiver with the help of a volunteer tutor. --Contributed Photo

The Northwoods Carvers meets at the Kalmar Center everyWednesday afternoon. Other activities at the center include

bingo, nutrition meals, dances, potluck dinner gatherings andcard parties. --NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO



8/24


How to generate retirement income during retirement

Like most people, you probably saveand invest throughout your working

years so that youll be able to afford acomfortable retirement.

Once you retire, youll want to focuson strategies to help you make themost of your retirement income andyou might want to become familiarwith these ideas well before you retire.

Basically, youll have some mustdo moves and some think aboutdoing moves. Lets take a look at themust do ones first:

Take the right amount of distribu-

tions from retirement plans. Once youturn 59 1/2, you may be able to takepenalty-free withdrawals, or distribu-tions, from some of your retirementaccounts, such as your traditional IRAand 401 (k). But once you turn 70 1/2,you generally must start taking distri-butions from these accounts.

Your required minimum distribu-tion, or RMD, is based on the previousyears balance in your retirement planand life expectancy tables. You can take

more than the minimum, but youllwant to make sure you dont take somuch that you outlive your savings.

Maximize your Social Securitybenefits. You can start collecting So-

cial Security as early as 62, but if youwait until your full retirement age,which will probably be around 66,your monthly checks will be larger.

And if you wait until after your full re-tirement age before you start collect-

ing benefits, your checks can be evenlarger, though theyll top off when youturn 70.

What should you do? Start takingthe money as early as possible ordelay payments, waiting for biggerpaydays? Theres no one right answerfor everyone. To get the maximumbenefits from Social Security, youllneed to factor in your health status,family history of longevity and othersources of retirement income.

Now lets consider two moves thatyou may think about doing duringyour retirement years:

Purchase income-producing in-vestments. Outside your IRA and401(k), you may have other invest-ment accounts, and inside these ac-counts, youll need a portfolio that canproduce income for your retirementyears. You may choose to own some in-

vestment-grade bonds and certificatesof deposit (CDs), both of which can

help provide you with regular interestpayments at relatively low risk toyour principal. However, these invest-ments may not help you stay ahead ofinflation, which, over a long retire-

ment, can seriously erode your pur-chasing power.

Consequently, you also may want toconsider dividend-producing stocks.Some of these stocks have paid, andeven increased, their dividends for

many years in a row, giving you achance to obtain rising income. Keep inmind, though, that stocks may lower ordiscontinue dividends at any time, andan investment in stocks will fluctuatewith changes in market conditions andmay be worth more or less than theoriginal investment when sold.

Go back to work. In your retire-ment years, you may decide to workpart time, do some consulting or evenopen your own business. Of course, the

more earned income you take in, theless money youll probably need towithdraw from your investment andretirement accounts. However, if youvestarted collecting Social Security, anyearned income you receive before yourfull retirement age will likely cause youto lose some of your benefits.

Once you reach full retirement age,you can keep all your benefits, no mat-ter how much you earn.

Keep these strategies in mind as

you near retirement. They may wellcome in handy.

Rick Donohoe is a financial advisorfor Edward Jones.

Health Systems Stacey Klein

Avanti Health &Rehabilitation Center

Minocqua, Wis.

(715) 356-8888

Avanti Health & Rehabilitation Centerwill assist you in a speedy recovery with professional rehabilitation staff.

Our team will meet with you and assist with insurances and fiancial planning.

KNOW THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

Call Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. with your questionsor to arrange a tour of our Rehabilitation Center.

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9/24


Reiter Center is hub of activity in Three Lakes

The Reiter Center in Three Lakescontinues to be a hub of senior citizen

activities just as founders Edith Reit-er, Rose Sehlke and George Mass-mann envisioned.

The center serves as one of theOneida County senior dining sites, ishost to various health and fitnessclasses, public assistance programs,health screenings and more.

Hot nutritious meals are served at11:30 a.m. each Monday, Tuesday andThursday as part of the Oneida Coun-ty Senior Dining program.

I come for lunch because I like tomeet the people, to participate in thetable talk and the price is right! stat-ed Janet Schneider of Three Lakes.

The dining program is enhancedwith holiday parties, music, gamesand good fellowship.

It was fun getting dressed up in acostume for Halloween, continuedSchneider. I was a witch and one ofthe men was a blind referee!

This program is available to any-one 60 years of age or older, comment-ed Diana Kern, past site manager. Itis not based on income requirements.The only requirement is that reserva-tions must be made 24 hours prior todining.

For more information on the diningprogram or to make a reservation,contact the new site manager, AngieKottwitz at (715) 490-2798.

A variety of community education

classes are offered at the Reiter Cen-ter each week. Many of them are spon-sored by Nicolet Area Technical Col-lege (NATC). The health and fitnessclasses held Tuesday and Thursdaymornings are very popular.

The classes draw a group of peoplewho want to maintain their wellness,said Connie Turner of Eagle River. A

variety of exercises are offered andour excellent instructor, Tori Cihla, ac-commodates all levels of fitness.

Turner has been a participant inthe program for more than 10 years.

We have a great camaraderie inthe group, she concluded.

NATC also provides cooking, gar-dening and craft classes at the center.

For more information or to checkavailability, contact NATC at (715)365-4493.

Learning in Retirement, a group ofsenior citizens affiliated with NATC,holds some of its classes and holidayparties at the Reiter Center.

According to Nancy Brissee, Learn-ing in Retirement coordinator, thegroup values lifelong learning by pro-

viding educational and social opportu-nities.

Its taking classes without havingto take a test! she concluded.

For more information on Learningin Retirement, contact Brissee at 365-4491.

Additional classes include Zumbaand yoga, offered independently on

Monday evenings.The Reiter Center also is a location

for public assistance programs such asfoot clinics, flu shot clinics, fuel assis-tance, memory loss support and dia-betes screening.

The first Thursday of each month,Karen White, RN, comes to the ReiterCenter to provide foot care. Appoint-ments are needed and can be made bycalling the Reiter Center at (715) 546-2552.

The Oneida County Health Depart-ment holds a flu clinic at the centerevery fall. No appointments are need-ed and Medicare and health insuranceis accepted for payment.

Its always very efficient and pleas-ant to come to the Reiter Center for flushots. Its so easy to park and level towalk, commented Dorothy Harding ofThree Lakes.

Harding has been a volunteer atthe Reiter Center flu clinics since theybegan.

Each year, people are able to applyfor fuel assistance at the Reiter Cen-ter during fall and winter monthswhen an Oneida County Departmentof Aging representative is on site.

Appointments are necessary andcan be made by calling Valerie at (715)362-5695.

The Three Lakes Memory LossSupport Group meets the third Mon-day of the month at 1 p.m. at the cen-ter.

If you are concerned about the lossof your memory, or the loss of thememory of a loved one, come and joinus, said group facilitator BarbaraHoltz. Im sure youll be pleased withthe information you will gain.

For more information, contact Holtzat 546-3538 or Dorothy Harding at546-3022.

Each May, the Three Lakes LionsClub sponsors a diabetes screeningclinic at the Reiter Center. A licensedpractical nurse will conduct thescreening with results given immedi-ately. A nutritionist is available to an-swer questions. The 2012 date is Sat-urday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Besides these organized activities,the facilities are also available forrental by groups or individuals. Manywedding receptions, anniversary par-ties, birthday parties and funerallunches are held throughout the year.

Through the insight of three indi-viduals, the Three Lakes communityis so blessed to have a great facilitywhich can be used for many differentevents at a reasonable cost, comment-ed Jack Schlaefer, president of the Re-iter Center board of directors. Itserves the seniors and general publicwithout being an expense to the com-munity.

For more information on the ReiterCenter or any activities at the center,contact Jackie Kuehn, center coordi-nator, at 546-2552.

Senior nutrition meals are served at the Reiter Center in ThreeLakes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through the

Oneida County Senior program. The program is enhancedwith parties, games and fellowship. --Contributed Photos

Exercise classes for seniors are of-fered at the Reiter Center.

___________

BY JACKIE KUEHNSPECIALTO THE NEWS-REVIEW

___________



10/24


Camaraderie and fun are staples of Red Hat group

It all started because she needed abirthday present for one of her friends,

who was about to celebrate her 50thbirthday and only something really spe-cial would do.

After a good amount of thought, SueEllen Cooper gave her friend a lovelyred hat and a copy of the Jenny Josephpoem, Warning and took her friendout for a birthday lunch.

As more and more of her friends ex-pressed their desire to celebrate thismilestone birthday in the same way, anidea began to perk and from this hum-

ble beginning, the Red Hat Society wasborn.Cooper lives in Southern California

and is known as the Exalted QueenMother to her fellow Red Hatters.

From a gathering of just a fewfriends, the Society has grown to be-come an international organizationwith more than 35,000 chapters inevery state as well as in Europe.

It has spawned an industry thatcaters to the whims and wishes of the

women who call themselves Red Hat-ters.

Who is a Red Hatter? She is easilyrecognized by her attire. Red hats, ofcourse, are a must and the rest of her isadorned in various shades of purple.Bling is always welcome and even en-couraged.

Attire aside, she is a woman who en-joys life and is not afraid to be a littledaring, likes to have fun and enjoys thecompany of ladies who share the

warmth, camaraderie and the feeling ofsisterhood as she does, not only with fel-low Red Hatters, but with all women ingeneral.

They have all paid their dues andfeel that now is the time to take time toenjoy the fun and good times that lifehas to offer.

All women are invited to join thegroup. Women under the age of 50 arecalled Pink Hatters and wear pink hatsand lavender attire.

When they reach the milestonebirthday of 50 years old, they are redu-ated into Red Hats and become thewearers of red and purple.

Eagle River is most fortunate to havea great Red Hat chapter with a mem-bership of 86 women.

Known as the Scarlet OHatters ofthe Northwoods, the group meetsmonthly at various restaurants to enjoyone anothers company.

It is a great opportunity to try someof the areas eateries and they alwaysseem to make quite a splash when wecome.

But they dont just eat they go tothe theatre both near and fartherafield, they like movies, play cards,enjoy shopping excursions, go on 3- or 4-day trips that are out-of-state, cruise ona pirate ship, have pajama parties, docasino trips and celebrate Mardi Gras.

A group favorite is to enjoy a fancy

High Tea at Eagle Waters Restaurant.The entire High Tea is certainly wor-

thy of Englands Queen Elizabeth IIand who knows, maybe someday shewill attend. That certainly wouldnt sur-prise them!

These activities are just some of thefun that awaits members.

Dues are $5 a year and cover mailingand event costs. Most members paytheir dues in December and a member

is considered in arrears after Feb. 1.The Scarlet OHatters usually meeton the first Thursday of the month fortheir activities. Notice of events andwho to call to make reservations is usu-ally published approximately twoweeks prior in the News-Review.

While the chapter is a large one, av-erage attendance for a month is usuallyabout 40 members. Some of the mem-bership are snowbirds and are not inEagle River full time and others are un-

able to make all of the activities due toother commitments.

One of the beauties of the Scarlets isthat, with the exception of some re-quirements for organizational purpos-es, there are no rules!

There have been so many rules andhave tos during our lifetime that nowis the time to kick back and enjoy.

For more information or to join theScarlet OHatters of the Northwoods,

contact queen mother, Rechlitz at (715)479-6113 or [email protected] are several other Red Hat So-

ciety chapters in the North Woods, in-cluding the Delovely Dames chapter ofthe Red Hat Society meets once permonth during evening hours for thosewho arent able to attend daytime RedHat events.

For more information on DelovelyDames, contact Jenny Bolte at (715)479-9372.

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Karen Hassey entertained members of the Scarlett OHattersof the Northwoods, a chapter of the Red Hat Society, at the

groups annual pajama party breakfast held at FriendshipHouse Family Restaurant in Eagle River.

--Staff Photo By MARIANNE ASHTON



11/24


Lifelong learning opportunitiesNicolet College offers variety of indoor, outdoor programs for seniors

The Nicolet College district is richwith retirees. Some relocated here fol-

lowing their careers while others havespent much, if not all, of their lives inthe North Woods.

To serve this growing population,Nicolet College has created numerouslearning, cultural and social opportu-nities, each designed to enrich thelives of seniors.

While many people know Nicoletfirst as an institution that offers col-lege degrees, It is so much more thanthat, explained Sandy Kinney, execu-

tive director of communications andcollege and community initiatives.Nicolet exists to serve all the people

of northern Wisconsin, and this includesretirees, which is one of the largest andfastest-growing demographics in theNorth Woods, said Kinney.

Retirees look to Nicolet for opportuni-ties in four main areas: community edu-cation classes, the Learning in Retire-ment program, the Creative Arts Seriesand the traditional credit classes.

Community educationWant to learn how to use a digital

camera, sew a quilt or make your gar-den organic? Maybe kayaking a scenicNorth Woods lake, getting your dog tolisten, or making fancy Frenchdesserts is more your speed.

All of these classes and hundreds ofothers are examples of whats avail-able through Nicolets community ed-ucation program.

What really makes this programwork and makes it so popular isthe wide variety of classes we offer,Kinney explained. I look through thecourse catalog and am constantly

amazed at the diversity of offerings.General categories include arts and

crafts, computers and technology, cre-ative writing, dance, food preparation,gardening, health and fitness, homedecorating, music and finance.

Classes are held at locationsthroughout the Nicolet district, in-cluding many in Vilas and Oneidacounties. They also are held through-out the year and divided into threesessions, with the spring and fall ses-sions offering the most classes andslightly fewer offerings in summer.

In summer, many people gravitateto the out-of-doors through the Out-door Adventure Series. These coursesoffer residents the chance to learn awide variety of outdoor recreationskills such as sea kayaking and canoe-ing while at the same time exploringthe scenic lakes and rivers that arethe hallmark of northern Wisconsin.

The series also offers numeroushikes throughout northern Wisconsinand Michigans Upper Peninsula as

well as many natural history hikesand paddles that cover such topics aswild flowers, birding and geology.

Learning in RetirementMany of todays active older adults

enjoy lifelong learning, and no place isthis more evident than in NicoletsLearning in Retirement program.

Membership has grown from a hand-ful of retired and semi-retired individu-als when the program started in 1995

to more than 300 individuals todayfrom throughout the North Woods.

The program is structured aroundtwo semesters with one covering thefall and early-winter seasons and the

other running from midwinterthrough spring.

Each semester features several

dozen different classes and discussiongroups with topics covering a wide va-riety of subjects. Topics commonly in-clude nature studies and outdoor ac-tivities, world travel, current events,history, theater, health and financialissues that affect seniors, along withnumerous other offerings.

What many enjoy about Learning inRetirement classes is that they are pre-sented in an easy-going environment.

There are no tests, no grades, andno compulsory attendance in instituteofferings. All you need is a desire tolearn, Kinney said.

Each class typically meets once aweek for anywhere from one to sixweeks.

Annual membership is $35 andruns from July 1 to June 30. This al-lows participants to attend as manydiscussion groups and events as theywant each semester.

Creative Arts SeriesNicolet has a long history of offer-

ing arts events that are popular withseniors and the Creative Arts Seriescontinues this tradition. The series iscomprised of three main areas: the-ater events in Nicolet Live!, ArtGallery exhibits, and library-basedpresentations.

Each year, Nicolet Live! features

about 20 different performances thatinclude national touring theatertroupes and musical groups, documen-

tary films, and community theatreplays produced by the Nicolet Players.Many events in the series are free.

The Nicolet Art Gallery featuresabout 10 exhibits every year. The an-nual highlight is the Northern Na-tional Juried Art Competition, whichattracts entries from professionalartists from around the country. Otherexhibits include themed works bylocal and regional artists and touringexhibits. The Art Gallery is located onthe first floor of the Learning Re-sources Center on the Nicolet campus.

Admission to all exhibits is free.The Library Series is in its second

year and includes lectures, discus-sions and readings on a wide range oftopics as well as cooking demonstra-tions by a professional chef.

Credit classesFor seniors seeking academic rigor,

Nicolet offers hundreds of credit class-es every year. While not a mainstayfor the population, every year retireesdo enroll in the colleges traditionalcredit classes. Many of these classesoffer an audit option where studentsdo not receive a grade.

For more information about Nicoletofferings, visit nicoletcollege.edu orcall Nicolet at (715) 365-4493; or 1-(800) 544-3039, ext. 4493.

The Learning in Retirement program at Nicolet College regularly features outingsin the great outdoors, including water recreation.

Cooking classes held through the community education program at Nicolet Col-lege are perennial favorites among retirees. --Contributed Photos



12/24

The Vilas County Commission on Agingis committed to providing programs designed to enhance the quality of life of older adults.

Services provide the opportunity for choices, encourages health, wellness and living independently.The 12-member Commission on Aging is appointed by the County Board of Supervisors

and is responsible for setting policy on all programs.

Funding for services is provided through federal, state and countygovernments, private contributions and participant donations. Pro-grams through the Federal Older Americans Act do not have fees, butdonations are vital to the success of our programs and are great-ly appreciated. No one is denied service because of inability to do-nate.

Who is eligible for services?Generally, any person age 60 or older may use services. A few pro-

grams have more specific guidelines.How do I start?

People interested in participating in any program may call the Com-mission on Aging at (715) 479-3625 or toll free at 1-(800) 374-1123and explain your question or concern. You will be connected with astaff person who can assist you. You may also just walk in. We are al-ways available to tell you about the programs.

330 Court Street

Eagle River, WI 54521(715) 479-3625 or

1-(800) 374-1123

Help when you need it most!

Information & Assistance

Your Aging Resource Center for any informationor assistance regarding older adult issues.

Home-delivered meals prepared at the nutrition sites are delivered to homebound peo-ple throughout Vilas County. In some areas, special diet meals are available.

Meal reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Donations are encouraged tomaintain the viability of the program, but are not required.

Nutrition Program

Serves hot and nutritious meals at congregate sites which provide socialization, edu-cational and recreational activities at the following sites located throughout the coun-

AlzheimersFamily CaregiverSupport Program

Provides information and/or funding tocaregivers of family members who haveAlzheimers disease or other closely relatedirreversible dementia.

Friendly Visitor

Volunteers visit the homebound or isolated frail olderadults, providing companionship, a link to the Vilascommunity and to other available services. The Friend-ly Visitors also provide telephone reassurance.

Elderly Benefit Specialist

The Benefit Specialist helps cut the red tape involved withhealth care and public benefits, such as: Medicare Medical Assistance

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Consumer Concerns Supplemental Security Income Disability Claims SeniorCare Prescription Coverage Judicare Information Homestead Tax Credit Benefit Counseling

Health & Wellness Program

Provides informational programs on health and wellnessto enrich the quality of life of our seniors.

Transportation

Volunteer escort drivers provide rides for people un-

able to drive themselves to medical appointments,grocery shopping, personal business, other shoppingand personal care needs. Call (715) 479-3625, 48hours in advance to arrange a ride.

Bus and van rides are also available to transport seniors to adult day care, shopping,nutrition sites, recreational activities, and other activities are available through thefollowing senior groups:

SERVE, Inc. (serving Eagle River) (715) 479-2633Lac du Flambeau (serving Lac du Flambeau) (715) 588-3303Lakeland (serving Woodruff & Arbor Vitae) (715) 356-9118

Phelps Seniors (serving Phelps & Land O Lakes) (715) 545-3983Northwoods Seniors (serving Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Winchester

and Presque Isle (715) 356-2650St. Germain PrimeTimers (serving St. Germain area) (715) 479-6310

Volunteer Opportunities

Our volunteers are an integral part of the Commis-sion on Aging Programs. If you or someone youknow is interested in volunteering for one of ourprograms, please call our office at (715) 479-3625.

We desperately need volunteers to be: Escort Drivers Delivery Drivers for Meals to Homebound Seniors Friendly Visitors

Chore Service

Matches workers with people needing light housekeepingand yard maintenance. Our chore workers will provideother services such as shopping or laundry depending uponthe needs of the individual.

Home Support Program

Links caregivers with private agencies or self-employed workers who can help withcaregiving or provide respite.

Kalmar CenterEagle River Area

Wellness CenterLac du Flambeau Area

State Line RestaurantLand O Lakes Area

Phelps - Senior CenterPhelps Area

Fibbers RestaurantSt. Germain Area

Boulder Beer BarRestaurantBoulder Junction Area

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14/24

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Curiosity Never Retiresat Nicolet College

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15/24

Making the most of their golden yearsLees stay active with hobbies, volunteering

As Clint Eastwood, who will be 82years old this year, states, As wegrow older, we must discipline our-selves to continue expanding, broad-ening, learning, keeping our mindsactive and open.

Workers in the medical field agreethat if seniors are to be more capableand able in their golden years, theymust continue to be curious, to learn,

to stretch and to attempt. Two localresidents are doing just that. Orvilleand Marlys Lee of Eagle River knowhow to keep themselves busy.

The Lees lived two miles apart asthey were growing up in Iowa. Meet-ing in high school and marrying in1952, they worked a dairy farm andraised a family in their home state.Farming entailed milking dairy cows,raising a variety of livestock andstrip cropping until 1964. After leav-

ing the farm, they each worked a va-riety of jobs, retiring again in 1993and eventually moving to EagleRiver.

You never get the farming out ofyou. There are always aspects of itthat you miss. Neighbors helped eachother during harvests, filling silosand baling hay. I miss the indepen-dence even though its a hard life,Orville confessed.

Marlys enjoyed the freedom of

raising their family with room toroam. Every day was unique on thefarm.

Before we actually moved north,we watched our grandkids play hock

ey here when we came to visit,Orville reminisced. We helped ourson-in-law and daughter build thesoccer fields on Highway G in the1990s. We leveled the soccer fieldwith railroad iron, picked up rocks.Then in 1993, I mowed the field forthe first time and continued doing sofor the next 12 years.

Moving here was easy. I kept busy

winterizing the cottage so we couldstay year-round before moving intoour new home in 2003. It was likeworking on a job, said Orville.

Marlys transition to the NorthWoods was not quite as easy. Shemissed other family and friends inIowa, so her heart was in both places.

I liked having six months hereand six months there. We try to makeit back to Iowa a couple times peryear and, of course, our Iowa family

joins us now in the North Woods,Marlys explained and smiled. Butnow Im very content. I enjoy ourhome, our family, have made manyfriends and volunteer just the rightamount of time.

Wishing to be involved in the com-munity, she joined the hospital auxil-iary and volunteers many hours eachweek. She greets and registers somepatients and works in the outpatient

surgery department delivering foodand water, changing bedding andhelping in a variety of other areas.

I had no experience in the medicalvolunteer field before coming here. Ilove seeing the people, she said.

Marlys also volunteers for commu-nity blood drives, shops for the WarmThe Children program and is in-

volved with womens fellowship andboards at her church.

We make lap robes for patients in

facilities across the North Woods andfor Angel On My Shoulder, said ex-plained. By earning money at theCranberry Fest Luncheon, we canpurchase quilt batting and providecamp scholarships. Our group makesa Christmas mitten tree donating toHead Start and the Tri-County abusecenter in Rhinelander.

Therere also summer flowers tomaintain.

Orville rises by 5 a.m. (old farminghabits die hard) to water close to 40hanging baskets and pots each morn-ing in downtown Eagle River. UnlessMother Nature graces the North with-inch of rain, Orville is busy.

He also stays busy refinishing fur-niture.

I like to take a beat-up piece offurniture and make it presentable formyself and for others. Wood grain has

so much character. If I can find amanufacturer name, Ill researchwhen it was built. Many people liketo know that history, he said.

During winter, Orville is busycracking black walnuts which havebeen collected in Iowa during the fall.He and Marlys enjoy using them inbakery and homemade ice cream.

The Lees maintain a positive out-look on life.

It is important to be active and tokeep the brain and body going, said

Orville. There may come a day thatwe won't be able to do this, but thenwe'll have these memories. A good,hard, honest days work is satisfying.

The Lees not only live their philos-ophy, but they have words of adviceto their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Hold on to your faith, work hard,keep your nose clean, always remem-ber words spoken can never be takenback, be happy, enjoy life and volun-teer your time, said Marlys.

___________

BY SONIA DIONNEFEATURE WRITER

___________

Marlys Lee, who moved to the North Woods from Iowa, enjoys quilting and volun-teering at church and for Warm The Children. --Photos By Sonia Dionne

Orville Lee of Eagle River enjoys refin-ishing antique furniture.



16/24

Keeping busy in retirementSchellingers stay active making crafts and volunteering

Retirement doesnt mean sittingaround doing nothing, according toFred and Irene Schellinger.

Staying active since moving totheir Meta Lake home between EagleRiver and Three Lakes in 1985 hasbeen a top priority for both formerdairy farmers.

They raised two sons and two

daughters and have 11 grandchildrenand nine great-grandchildren. All butone live in Wiscon-sin. Most live in theHartford area,which is where theirdairy farm was lo-cated.

Fred took upwoodworking afterretirement, makinga variety of wooden

toys which he sellsat the Senior CraftShop in Eagle River.His most populartoy is a train con-nected with metalloops.

When asked howmany trains hesmade, he said,About 10,000. Hecan make 12 per day. In the 1980s and

90s, he says he made 250 a year.He uses white pine because its a

soft wood and easy to work with. Hisson has a cabinet-making shop andgives him any scraps. A vegetable oilfinish is applied to the finished prod-uct. No varnish or other chemicals areused, so the toys are not harmful tochildren.

Irene keeps busy by tending tohousehold chores and crochetingfancy items which are also for sale in

the craft shop. She mostly makessnowflakes, doilies and mittens.

Hanging on the living room wall attheir home is a framed crochetedLords Prayer, 3 12 feet high by 30 inch-es wide. She donates between 20 and30 pairs of mittens per year to theHeadstart program for youths. Shealso enjoys making cookies.

In addition to their crafty ways, theSchellingers deliver Meals on Wheelsto people unable toprovide for them-selves. For one day aweek, an average of13 meals are deliv-ered during a morethan 56 mile roundtrip.

They also providecourtesy rides for

other seniors whohave doctors ap-pointments and forshopping tripsthrough the VilasCounty Commissionon Aging.

The Scellingersalso volunteer at theNorthwoods Chil-drens Museum and

have called bingo at the Kalmar Se-

nior Center, both in Eagle River.Fred does all the snow shoveling

down a blacktop driveway and walksup and down the driveway 15 timesdaily for a two-mile hike. He said thiswas on orders from his doctor afterhaving bypass heart surgery in 1990.

Did I mention Fred is 88 and Irene is83? Theyve been married since 1948.

You have to keep busy or youll gonuts, said Fred on their busy retire-ment schedule.

Irene and Fred Schellinger stay active in retirement, volunteering and makingitems for the Senior Craft Shop in Eagle River. --Photos By Marge Baerenwald

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Fred Schellinger makes woodentoys in his shop.



17/24

The arts keeps Klein active in community

Kathy Klein of Three Lakes has

found retirement anything but retir-ing. She actively pursues lifelong in-terests in the areas of music and fit-ness.

As a music educator in her home-town of Beloit, Klein was very in-

volved in the community.As a charter member, she played

46 years in the Beloit-JanesvilleSymphony Orchestra. She continuesto play with a cantata in Beloit. Aspart of a vocal singing trio of friends,

she performed Andrews Sisters-typemusic for more than 30 years in thearea, as well as guest visits in Eng-land, particularly Westminster Abbeyand Scotland. Kathy also directedyouth orchestras in Beloit and taughtstring techniques in summer work-shops on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

After retiring in 2001, Kathy andhusband, Ken, headed to ThreeLakes, where they found property to

build near beloved lakes and woods.This love of the land was passeddown from Kens parents, who hadpreviously owned property Up North.

Kathy says she has found it easyto participate in the many musicalopportunities in Three Lakes andEagle River.

It is a necessity to keep nourish-ing your mind by continuing activi-

ties, she said.Many residents recognize Kathy

for playing her violin with the Wood-land Strings, started 20 years ago byJune McDuffie. Klein enthusiastically

has served, since 2001, as its directorand especially enjoys the coaching as-pect of directing. Her affiliation withthe group began in summers previousto retiring, when she would bringsome her favorite music to re-hearsals. Over the years, membershiphas expanded to 16, including a bassto round out the violins, violas andcello. Their repertoire goes beyondclassical to Celtic, mariachi, folk andpop tunes.

There are so many opportunities toperform up here, said Kathy. We playbefore each Headwaters Council forthe Performing Arts concert in EagleRiver, for Concerts in the Park, artfairs, Many Ways of Peace, Art Im-pressions in Land O Lakes, DemmerLibrary Spring Flings and Nicolet Col-lege Community Music Festivals.

Our weekly rehearsals areunique, as we not only practice hard,but also have such a special cama-

raderie among us, said Kathy. Wesupport each other through the roughtimes that everyone goes through. Wehave a great time, enjoying eachothers company. Woodland Strings isgood for the soul.

Klein teaches violin and viola inThree Lakes to students of all agesand notes that they keep you young.

The most fun are the little ones

who have such creativity and inquisi-tiveness, she said.

Years ago, she started a youth or-chestra with former resident KrisCunningham, which lasted for only

two years because of lack of funding.Upon first moving here, Kleinjoined the Three Lakes Art Council, agroup of visionary entrepreneurs,who established the Three LakesCenter for the Arts in the North-woods. She now serves on the board.

The performing arts are especiallyexciting because were also able to in-

volve Woodland Strings from time totime, such as with Art on Main and StPatricks Day celebrations sponsored

by the Center for the Arts, she said.Balancing activities that give backto the community, Klein pursuesstaying in top physical shape.

The Three Lakes School weightroom has been such a joy and I cansee myself becoming more regular inattendance there, she said. Theother participants have become im-portant because they keep encourag-ing you and are a source of fellow-ship. Weve made so many new

friends through it. Even the Centerfor the Arts sponsors yoga classes inthe summer months.

Kathy also attends Nicolet Collegecontinuing education exercise anddance classes at the Reiter Center inThree Lakes.

You learn how to live in the pos-ture that supports the body, which isinvaluable. Its more than exercise,

our instructor teaches us how to

move the body for chores like raking,snow shoveling, walking stairs, lift-ing, saving our backs from injury andfocuses on how the core of your bodyis engaged, she said.

Klein knows the importance ofstaying active mentally, socially andphysically. And best of all, Klein ex-claims she can stay active throughmusic and fitness in a place she loves.

___________

BY JOAN MEEDERFEATURE WRITER___________

Social Security:Its as American as baseball and apple pie

Social Security is as American asbaseball and apple pie. Not everyonelikes apples or baseball games, but al-most every American who reaches re-

tirement age will receive Social Secu-rity retirement benefits. In fact, 96%of Americans are covered by Social Se-curity.

If youre ready to retire in the nearfuture, this article is for you. Id like toshare with you a few important itemsabout Social Security retirement ben-efits and how to apply for them.

When you work and pay Social Se-curity taxes, you earn credits towardSocial Security benefits. If you wereborn in 1929 or later, you need 40credits (10 years of work) to qualify forretirement benefits.

To qualify for retirement benefits,10 years is the minimum. However,the amount of your benefit is deter-mined by how long you work and howmuch you earn. Higher lifetime earn-ings result in higher benefits. If therewere some years when you did not

work or had low earnings, your benefitamount may be lower than if you hadworked steadily or earned more.

Also, your age when you retiremakes a difference in your benefitamount. The full retirement age (the

age at which full retirement benefitsare payable) has been gradually risingfrom age 65 to age 67. You can retire asearly as age 62, but if benefits start be-fore you reach your full retirement age,your monthly payment is reduced. Findout what your full retirement age is byreferring to the convenient chart in our

publication, Retirement Benefits, at so-cialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035. Its in thesecond section.

Just as you can choose an early re-tirement and get a reduced payment,you also can choose to keep workingbeyond your full retirement age totake advantage of a larger payment.

Your benefit will increase automati-cally by a certain percentage from thetime you reach your full retirementage until you start receiving your ben-efits or until you reach age 70.

The decision of when to retire is an in-dividual one and depends on a number ofpersonal factors. To help you weigh thefactors, I suggest you read our online factsheet, When To Start Receiving Retire-ment Benefits, available at the websitesocialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.

You may want to consider your op-tions by using our Retirement Estima-

tor to get instant, personalized esti-mates of future benefits. You can plugin different retirement ages and sce-narios to help you make a more in-formed retirement decision. Try it outat socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

When you decide to retire, the easi-

est and most convenient way to do it isright from the comfort of your home oroffice computer. Go to socialsecurity.govwhere you can apply for retirementbenefits in as little as 15 minutes. Inmost cases, there are no forms to signor documents to send; once you submityour electronic application, thats it!

In addition to using our award-win-ning website, you can call us toll-freeat 1-(800) 772-1213 (TTY 1-(800) 325-0778) or visit the Social Security officenearest you.

Either way, you choose to apply, besure to have your bank account infor-mation handy so we can set up yourpayments to be deposited directly intoyour account.

To learn more about Social Security,read the publication, Retirement Ben-efits, at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.

___________

BY KEN HESSSOCIAL SECURITY PUBLICAFFAIRS SPECIALIST

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KATHY KLEIN

KEN HESS



18/24

The prime time of lifeSt. Germain PrimeTimers stay busy with events, projects, trips

St. Germain PrimeTimers Inc. hadits start in 1998 when Jean Seifriedplaced a notice in the Vilas CountyNews-Review and asked any seniorsinterested in meeting with other se-niors to go to the St. Germain Commu-nity Center for a meeting to pursuethe possibility of forming a group.

Twenty-two seniors showed up and

decided to become an organized group.The groups first officers were Pres-ident Fred Radtke, Vice PresidentHelen Steiner, Secretary Marion

Adams and Treasurer Maureen Milz.Directors were Ethel Freund, John

McCauley and Jean Seifried.

Incorporation papers were filed inthe name of St. Germain Seniors Inc.It was found that many seniors didnot want to be known as seniors,therefore, in February 1999 the name

was formally changed (including thecorporation filings) to St. GermainPrimeTimers Inc.

The new name reflected the over-50group which had planned their wholelife for the prime time of their life.

The St. Germain Town Board gavethe PrimeTimers permission to useroom six at the St. Germain Commu-nity Center.

Members proceeded to paint and re-carpet the room. Window treatments

were added and the room was decorat-ed and furnished including tables,chairs, cabinets, refrigerator andmore.

During the first six months, manydances were held for the benefit of thecommunity.

The first Snowflake Dance was heldin January 1999 and has since beenheld every year on the second Satur-day of January.

In February 1999 the PrimeTimers

donated exercise equipment to thetown of St. Germain. The items wereutilized to start a community exerciseroom in the community center in roomone.

Over time, more equipment hasbeen added by PrimeTimers and com-munity members which is availablefor everyones use. Anyone with good-working exercise equipment to donatemay contact the PrimeTimers.

The group attends numerous playsand shows including productions atNorthland Pines High School, Lake-land High School, Three Lakes, North-ern Lights in Hazelhurst and severalWausau venues.

On the road againDay trips include the Vilas County

Courthouse and Justice Center, Mc-Naughton Prison, Vilas County

Garage, St. Germain Golf Course,Vilas Historical Museum, Three LakesHistorical Museum, Howard YoungHospital, Eagle River airport, two fishhatcheries, three goat farms, botanicalgardens in Green Bay, Festival ofTrees and Yawkey Museum inWausau, and numerous other loca-

tions.Initially all travel was by carpool-

ing. The group now has two buseswhich hold a total of 15 people each.

At least one overnight trip isplanned each year. The first was in1999 to the Minneapolis area and theHolidazal Parade.

In fall 2011 two large buses werefilled for a trip to Louisville, Ky.;Nashville, Tenn.; and Memphis, Tenn.The group hopes to go to Niagara Fallsduring 2012, but this trip has not beenfully planned yet.

Activities and eventsThe PrimeTimers facilitate several

groups that are composed of bothmembers and nonmembers. This in-cludes bridge Monday afternoons, linedancing Tuesday afternoons, cardsand games Wednesday evenings, and

bowling Thursday afternoons.A new group does crafts and hob-

bies on select Tuesday mornings.Driver awareness classes are held

periodically to benefit mature drivers.Some insurance companies may pro-

vide a discount for those who completethe classes.

Group members volunteer Mondayevenings in the summer to provideconcessions at bingo and also have anice cream wagon at the Monday fleamarkets held at the St. Germain Park.

A combination car show, craft fair,childrens carnival and brat fry eventis held the third Saturday of July atthe park. The event is a major endeav-or for the PrimeTimers. This yearsevent will be held Saturday, July 21.

Support the communityThe volunteer projects provide

funds for the PrimeTimers to lendsupport to the community.

Past contributions include commu-nity center chairs, tables, shelter pic-nic tables, fireworks, Veterans Memo-rial, Angel on My Shoulder, youthskate park, painting of the community

center, Vilas Food Pantry, NorthwoodsWildlife, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, St.Germain Fire Department, North-woods Childrens Museum, Vilas His-torical Museum, Olson Memorial Li-brary, Plum Lake Public Library, St.Germain Bike and Hike, youth soccer,youth baseball and more.

Join the PrimetimersThe group meets on the first

Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.in room six at the St. Germain Com-munity Center.

Meetings begin with a speaker fol-lowed by business and goodies bakedby volunteers. Visitors are welcome.

As of December 2011 there are 360members. Officers are President JudieBerard, Vice President Karen Wag-goner, Secretary Barb Steinhilber andTreasurer Dave Zielinski.

Directors are Marge Berg, JimGrace, Tom Kortendick and JoeRuegsegger.

For more information, contact Be-rard at (715) 479-6659, activities di-rectors, Fred and Carol Radtke, at479-6310, [email protected]; or

visit stgermainprimetimers.org.

The St. Germain PrimeTimers recently began a monthly

Hobby Day to provide its members a way to spend a creativemorning. The group meets the second Tuesday of each monthfrom 9 a.m. to noon in room 6 at the St. Germain Community

Center. Some members bring their own projects to work on

while others participate as a group in a guided project. The ac-tivity is one more in a host of activities undertaken by seniorsin their prime. --Photo By Wally Geist

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BY CAROL RADTKE

PRIMETIMERSACTIVITIES DIRECTOR___________


19/24


Th lif f l


20/24

The life of a volunteer

Gary Fawcett sets example for seniors

Among the most active volunteersin Eagle River, senior citizen or other-wise, Gary Fawcett has benefitted a

vast amount of projects, programs andcommittees in the area.

Volunteering is second-nature toFawcett, who said he likes to get in-

volved because hes a people person.I enjoy meeting people, seeing

smiles on their faces and interacting

with others, he said. Its a win-winsituation for any volunteer, I think.The 2008 Eagle River Chamber of

Commerce & Visitors Center Man ofthe Year, Fawcett has worked as abuyer for Pranges and also workedwith the Aid Association for Luther-ans.

In 1989, he and his wife, Shelle,began the process of remodeling theiruncle Everett Zimplemanns cottage onSilver Lake and then became full-time

Eagle River residents in 2003.Since relocating to the North Woodsalmost nine years ago, Fawcett hasbeen involved in, or is active as, amember of the Eagle River Revitaliza-tion Committee, a volunteer for Jour-neys Marathon, a member of the Ro-tary Club of Eagle River, a committeemember of the Eagle River Festival ofFlavors event, president of Easy Ea-gles, a member of the Eagle River AreaChamber of Commerce and a member

of the Eagle River Light & Water Com-

mission.In addition, Fawcett has also been

involved as a volunteer for The Salva-tion Army, a member of the 50/50

Club, a Lifeline Installer for the Eagle

River Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, avolunteer for Walter Olson Library, amember of the Eagle River PlanningCommission, past Eagle River city

councilman, an elder for Our Savior

Lutheran Church, a volunteer forLutherans for Life Evangelism, direc-

tor of the Eagle River Farmers Marketand past president of NorthwoodsChildrens Museum.

Performing these selfless acts comeseasy to Fawcett, who emphasized theimportance of volunteerism for seniorcitizens in the area.

Its definitely important for seniorsto find opportunities to volunteer, hesaid. We have a lot of volunteers here.It keeps you active and keeps you outof trouble. And the things we volunteer

for need to be done.Al Pittelko, who presented the Manof the Year award to Fawcett for his

volunteerism over the years, said itsvirtually impossible for him to say theword no.

Whether its lending a hand to afriend, chairing a committee, standingin the cold ringing the bell for The Sal-

vation Army or playing Santa Claus,he nods his head and says, Sure. Noproblem. I will help, said Pittelko.

Meeting others and contributing tohis community were the top reasonsFawcett cited for donating his time.

Its something I just want to giveback, he said. Its fun and I enjoy par-ticipation in all these activities. Its

just a matter of giving back.For those interested in getting in-

volved in local charities and events,Fawcett offered a simple recommenda-tion.

Just come talk to me, he said with

a laugh.

Volunteer extraordinaire Gary Fawcett painted an exhibit at the Northwoods Chil-drens Museum, where he once served as president. --Contributed Photo

___________

BYANTHONY DREWNEWS-REVIEWASST. EDITOR

___________

and retired 12 years ago. Though Davewas born in Appleton, his parentsbought The BirdsNest Resort on Car-

penter Lake in 1949,when he was six yearsold. From then on, hespent summers atCarpenter Lake andthen returned toKaukauna where hismother was a teacher.

After getting hisbachelors degreefrom the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, he got his PhD in geologyfrom the University of Michigan. Davetaught college before signing up with anexploratory oil company as a geologist.He worked in various places, spending alot of time in South America.

I was selected in the mid-70s to ex-plore the Atlantic at 14,000 feet under-water. We went down in one of the ear-liest deep-water research submarines,The Alvin. It was a pretty neat experi-

ence, said Hanselman.He had always been an outdoorsman

and really liked working in the field, butnever thrived on the book-and-deskwork. He retired at age 56 and returnedto Eagle River in 1998.

I took over the Birds Nest Resortfrom my parents, he said. My wife,Marge, and I have been enjoying it ever

since.Even though he knew diet and exer-

cise were really important, Dave wasnttoo worried about staying fit.

Ive never really been one to watchmy diet carefully. I always had the oldexercise guru, Jack LaLanes, ideas atheart. Jack always said that you had toearn your vices. If you are going to have

vices, you really need exercise. I like mybeer too much and Im not going tochange that.

So, realizing this when he retired, hestarted a routine of running.

I decided to run five to six times aweek, said Hanselman.

Eventually, I got up to three miles aday, five days a week and continueddoing that all these years, he said. Ivebeen in a few half-marathons and havereally enjoyed the Journeys race here inEagle River. I think Ive run that about

seven times. And then I can drink mybeer.

During his youth, Dave played Pee-wee hockey in Eagle River, but only forabout one year.

I was about 63 when I heard of someother old-timers playing hockey in theNoonTime Hockey League. I joined thatfive years ago and also played on their

pond hockey tournament team. But Ihad rotator cuff surgery last month, sofor now Ill skip hockey and spend more

time with my new passion sailboatracing, said Hanselman.

Dave says he will do more cross-country skiing, now that he cant playhockey. He enjoys watching the North-land Pines boys and girls hockey teams.

And the Falcons hockey games arereally fun and I can drink beer there,said Dave. He also enjoyed his five

years of playing trumpet with the BillHassey Orchestra, though he just re-tired from the band.

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HockeyFROM PAGE 19

HANSELMAN


S i k diff


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Seniors can make a differencecaring for Norths lakes, rivers

Almost a decade ago, a professorfrom University of Wisconsin-StevensPoint talked about the huge talent re-source that would become available asthe Baby Boomer generation startedretiring.

The key was linking the talents ofthese people with the need. NorthernWisconsin entered the conversation be-cause of the number of retirees whowould relocate to the North Woods forpart or all of the year.

This scenario is being played out inVilas County right now. Lakes havemany needs in this and surroundingcounties. One of the greatest needs isfinding volunteers to help protect andeducate about the Norths greatest re-source its many lakes and rivers. In

Vilas County alone, there are morethan 1,400 lakes and hundreds of milesof rivers and streams.

Today, more than at any time in the

past, seniors are helping and making asignificant difference protecting thosewater resources. From monitoring lakesthrough the Citizens Lake MonitoringNetwork (temperature, water levels,water clarity, water chemistries, lengthof ice cover, plankton sampling, etc.), tomonitoring streams through Wisconsin

Action Volunteers, to serving as CleanBoats/Clean Waters inspectors at boatlandings, to observing and recordingloon presence and behaviors on a lake

in cooperation with Northland CollegesLoonWatch program . . . there is some-

thing for every engagement level andarea of interest.

With increasingly tight funding,more and more of the natural resource

monitoring has been taken over by se-niors. And, seniors are very good at

what they do. Research shows that themonitoring done by seniors is accurate

and reliable.Presently in Vilas County, the needs

required to monitor and protect lakesand rivers exceed the capacity of cur-rent volunteers. Seniors who love beingout on the water and have an interest inmaintaining and protecting the beauti-ful lakes and rivers can make a differ-ence.

Volunteers can learn about theNorths natural resources and serve asgreat educators for friends and neigh-

bors. Lake volunteers also feel a senseof accomplishment at helping to protectand save what they have now for theirgrandchildrens future enjoyment.

How can you get involved? Thatseasyif your lake has a lake associa-tion or a lake district, join and get in-

volved.At the local level, you can contact the

Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Associa-tion (vcla.us) and get information oncontact persons for a variety of volun-

teer opportunities.At the state level, contact Wisconsin

Lakes (wisconsinlakes.org) for informa-tion on volunteer activities in your re-gion and statewide.

And to learn more about LoonWatch,go to northland.edu/sigurd-olson-envi-ronmental-institute-loon-watch.

This article was prepared by RollieAlger, president of the Vilas CountyLakes and Rivers Association, and

Sandy Gillum, vice president of Wiscon-sin Lakes.

Susan Knight of the UW-Trout Lake Station teaches a senior how to record findingsof an aquatic plant survey on a lake in Vilas County. --Contributed Photo

Years ago, I attended a palliativecare medical conference. As a socialworker, I had years of experience withaging programs, nursing homes andhealth care, but found I was ill-pre-pared to venture into the world of tech-nology where life-support interventionswere influencing the way people die.

The speaker was a handsome, distin-guished physician. He didnt say much,but put a VHS tape into a televisionand made us watch an old westernmovie with John Wayne and JimmyStewart.

The scene opens with Jimmy Stew-art playing the doctor and John Wayneplaying, well, John Wayne. They talkbriefly for a few minutes, then JohnWa ne slowl lowers his hand to reveal

a gun shot wound. He turns to Jimmy

Stewart, looks him in the eye and saysGive it to me straight, Doc.

After a few more sentences, the con-ference physician stopped the tape andturned to the audience for discussion.Our conference began. How do we talkabout dying in America today?

Technology has created incrediblechoices in end-of-life care. According toDr. Steven Miles at the Center forBioethics at the University of Minneso-ta, 85% or 2 million of the 2.4 milliondeaths occuring annually in the UnitedSates medical system are preceded by astructured decision to limit life-sustain-ing treatment. In laymen terms, thismeans that if you are dying, you willhave an 85% chance that someone willneed to make difficult life-supportchoices for you.

The other complicating factor in endof life care is our inabilit to make our

own decisions. It is

senior focus

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