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FEBRUARY
“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook.
F E AT U R E S
D E PA RT M E N T S
7 | Kansas Close-Ups
4 |
Sunsets, kids and scenery. Readers share their fave photos, and you can submit your pics too.
6 |
12 | Supercentenarians
8 | 10 |
Meet Julia and Gertrude, two Kansas women who will celebrate their 111th birthdays this year.
15 | Throwback Photos
16 | 16A |
Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. celebrates 80 years with old photos of retiring electric co-op managers.
17 |
19 | Healthy Eats
E D I TO R’S L E T T E R
Good things, small packages A RO U N D K A N S A S
Celebrate Black History Month CO M M E N TA RY
KEC is watching out for you E N E RGY W I S E
Which appliance to replace? T H E P R E S I D E N T ’S P E N
Fun, love, reverence
YO U R LO C A L CO - O P N E W S
Important info from your co-op C RO S S W O R D P U Z Z L E
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Love is in the air.
Enjoy farm-fresh, good-for-you recipes developed by Tammy Algood, contributor to Tennessee Magazine, a sister co-op publication.
18 |
20 | Circle of Health
YO U R P L AC E I N T H E G A R D E N
The art of bonsai
Hobby passes on treasured plants.
24 |
The “Triple Seven Rule” is an uncomplicated way to build new habits. The formula uses walk, water and sleep.
CO O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E
Winner chicken dinner
Biscuits made “sunny” with carrots.
22 | Walk with Ease
26 |
Almost anyone can do it, and it’s one of the best paths to fitness and health. Develop a safe walking routine using these five steps.
28 |
20
29 |
M A R K E T P L AC E
Barns, chicks, gift subscriptions SAFETY
Avoid seasonal falls, slips M O N T H LY R E C I P E S
Celebration foods
Special days, special treats.
ON THE COVER Kansas’ supercentenarians and lessons in how to live life to the fullest.
12
I L L U S T R AT I O N W I T H P H O T O S FROM PRAIRIE BAND P O TA W AT O M I N AT I O N A N D T H E S T E R N F A M I LY
FEBRUARY 2021
HERE’S TO
YOUR HE ALTH
Supercent enarian Lessons in longevity s Kansas Clo Reader subm se-Ups itted FEBRUA RY
photos
2021 | BROUG HT
TO YOU BY ROLLIN G
HILLS ELECTR IC CO-OP | WWW. KEC.CO
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
3
OP
E D I TO R’S L E T T E R
February: A Short but Scrappy Little Month
(ISSN 0091-9586) FEBRUARY 2021 VOL. 71, NO. 2 ©KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC. 2021 WWW.KEC.COOP
Lee Tafanelli
Chief Executive Officer
Vicki Estes
Director of Communications, Editor
Carrie Kimberlin
Manager of Creative Solutions
Shaylee Arpin WELCOME TO FEBRUARY,
considered by some to be the last month of winter, although Kansas electric co-ops will dispute that as winter storms have been known to wreak havoc well into May. Even February’s full moon on the 27th this year is called the Snow Moon because of the heavy snowfall typically experienced this month. The word February derives from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse.” Appropriate, I think, as we continue to scrub our hands and wipe surfaces ad nauseum to avoid catching COVID-19. For the shortest month of the calendar, February packs a potpourri of events into its petite framework as if to prove itself among its bigger bookend months of January and March. February kicks off with Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl and goes right into the Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day and then Mardi Gras. The month itself is dedicated to African-American history (see Page 7 for information about a collaborative web portal project dedicated to celebrating Black History Month.)
If February give much snow, A fine summer it doth foreshow. ENGLISH PROVERB February celebrates the birthdays of Langston Hughes and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 1), Rosa Parks (Feb. 4), Laura Ingalls Wilder (Feb. 7), Thomas Edison (Feb. 11), Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12), Susan B. Anthony (Feb. 15), and George Washington (Feb. 22). February is also one of the most frequently misspelled words in the English language, along with chaos, canceled and Caribbean. (What do you say we cancel the chaos of COVID-19 and head to the Caribbean?) Another difficult to spell word is one I will be using frequently as soon as the pandemic is no longer a part of our everyday vernacular: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Let’s hope 2021 embraces the warm winds of spring on time to allow for safer outdoor gatherings soon. KCL
Multimedia Communications Specialist Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
Terry Hobbs
President
Teresa Miller Vice President
Kirk Thompson
Secretary/Treasurer
You receive Kansas C ountry Living as a service of the following electric co-ops as a cost-effective way to share important information about services, energy savings, electric safety, director elections, meetings and management decisions. It also contains legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost: 4 Rivers, Lebo Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale Doniphan, Troy DSO, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove FreeState, McLouth & Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Rolling Hills, Beloit Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington TCEC, Hooker, OK Twin Valley, Altamont Victory, Dodge City Western, WaKeeney Wheatland, Scott City Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Kansas Country Living on behalf of the membership at a cost of $5.58 per year. Individual non-member subscriptions are $10 per year (tax included).
VICKI ESTES, EDITOR
Co-op Members: Please report address changes to your local electric co-op. Postmaster: Send returns to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Kansas Country Living is published monthly by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS, and additional entry offices. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267; 785-478-4554. Advertising: Kansas Country Living is a member of American MainStreet Publications (www.amp.coop), collectively reaching an audited circulation of 9,378,177 monthly. Advertisers call 512-441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.
4
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
FEBRUARY 2021
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THROUGH FEB. 11 Gabriel
Shiverdecker Exhibit, Fredonia. Stone House Gallery, Gyla 620-378-2052, stonehouse2052@gmail.com. THROUGH FEB. 12 Quilt Exhibit, Ellsworth. View Ellsworth local Marilyn Huslig’s hand sewn quilts and other items. Ellsworth Area Art Center, 223 N. Douglas Ave. THROUGH MAY 2 Run! Jump!
Celebrate The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum pay tribute to African Americans with a collaborative web portal offering a wealth of materials and online exhibits documenting the African American experience. Visit www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov to view exhibits and videos, listen to audio and view collections of archival photos as well as links to other websites focusing on African Americans in our military, government, music and performing arts, education, sports, and civil rights. The portal also offers resources for teachers and lesson plans.
Fly! Adventures in Action Exhibit, Manhattan. The Flint Hills Discovery Center’s new exhibit encourages visitors to get physically active, trying activities that may be new. Adventure scenes include surfing/ snowboarding, kung fu, a climbing canyon, fly cycles and more. 315 S. Third St., 785-587-2742, flinthillsdiscovery.com. THROUGH OCT. 31 Flying Free: 25 Years of
Grassroots Art Exhibit, Lucas. The Grassroots Art Center in Lucas is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an exhibit featuring unique and original works by 121 Kansas artists and 19 artists from around the country. The Art Center, 213 S. Main, 785-525-6118, grassrootsart.net. FEB. 4-MARCH 18 Keeping Groceries Alive,
Manhattan. This eight-part series focuses on business transition to help communities maintain local grocery stores. Webinar held each Monday of February through March 18. Topics include transition planning, understanding grocery ownership models, assessing markets and more. ruralgrocery.org. FEB. 6 Mardi Gras, Fredonia. Annual dinner and karaoke hosted by the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce. VFW Hall. FEB. 10-12 Women Managing the Farm Conference,
Manhattan. This yearly conference provides knowledge and support to women in agriculture and will be held online. Speakers will focus on agriculture and estate law, marketing, crop production and more. womenmanagingthefarm.com.
6
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
FEBRUARY 2021
FEB. 13-14 Gun, Coin and Antique Show, Phillipsburg. Held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Concessions and raffle drawings are available. Phillips County Fair Building, Kimberlee Griffith 937-853-7178, gaelicveins@live.com. FEB. 16 Winter Ranch Management Educational Series, Beaumont. Hosted by K-State Research and Extension educators, this series will be a town-hall style question and answer session. Planned topics include bull management, nutrition and vaccine storage. 1-3 p.m. RSVP by Feb. 9 to Charlene Miller. 316-321-9660, KSUBeef.org. FEB. 16 Winter Ranch Management Educational Series, Council Grove. Hosted by K-State Research and Extension educators, this series will be a town-hall style question and answer session. Planned topics include bull management, nutrition and vaccine storage. 5:15-9 p.m. RSVP by Feb. 9 to Shannon Spencer. 620-767-5136, KSUBeef.org. FEB. 17-MARCH 11 Children’s Art Month, Fredonia. Open house will be held on Feb. 27. Stone House Gallery, Gyla 620-378-2052, stonehouse2052@gmail.com. MARCH 1-31 Parade of Quilts, Yoder. T ake part in the
21st Annual Parade of Quilts viewing hand-stitched creations of all patterns, colors and sizes displayed at participating businesses throughout town. Pick up your parade route brochure and enjoy the self-guided tour. 620-465-2220, YoderKansas.com.
MARCH 13 25th Blarney Breakfast, Topeka. H elp support the Capper Foundation at their 25th Blarney Breakfast from 7-10 a.m. with a contactless, all-you-can-eat Irish breakfast. Drive-thru option is available. Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant, 785-272-4060, capper.org/events.
MARCH 18-20 3i Show, Dodge City. T he 3i Show is a
MARCH 13-APRIL 25 Crossroads: Change in Rural
Kansas Country Living publishes events free as space allows. Send event information by the fifth of the month prior to publication to events@kansascountryliving.com. To guarantee placement of your event, contact advertising at 785-478-4554 or ckimberlin@kec.org.
America Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition, Alma. T he Volland Store will build on the exhibit telling the history and culture of Wabaunsee County. 913-522-6270, thevollandstore.com.
three day salute to agri-business sharing industry, implement and irrigation knowledge and products. COVID-19 protocols have been put into place to ensure safety for all. Search 3i Show on Facebook for updates. KCL
Kansas CLOSE-UPS Have a fun snapshot of your kids or grandkids? Or a stunning photo of a rural Kansas scene? Share it with Kansas Country Living by emailing photos@kansascountryliving.com. Include the photographer’s name, name of subjects if you want them identified, name of your electric co-op, and where in Kansas the photo was taken. (Photos must be at least 300 pixels per inch.) KCL FAR LEFT: This prairie sunrise was taken by
Ben Finch, Rolling Hills Electric member, at his farm near Lebanon. LEFT: Aspen Pickel, daughter of Craig and Rebecca Pickel, members of Prairie Land Electric, holds one of her meat chickens. Photo taken by her brother, Kutter McDowell.
BOTTOM LEFT: Barbara Mattox, member
of Twin Valley Electric, shared this photo of her great-granddaughter, Millie, taken south of Caney. BOTTOM RIGHT: Melissa Booher-Amos, FreeState Electric member, snapped this beautiful scene, “Winter Blues,” taken at Leavenworth State Lake.
FEBRUARY 2021
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
7
C O M M E N TA RY
KEC, Kansas Electric Co-ops Represent Interests of Rural Communities During Session BY L E E TA FA N E L L I
THE KANSAS SENATE AND HOUSE OFFICIALLY
Lee Tafanelli
One such issue, access to reliable broadband, is not only an important quality of life issue for all Kansans but a key to the economic success of our rural communities.
8
opened the 2021 session Jan. 11, and unless extended by a resolution, session will wrap up 90 days later. On the heels of a pandemic year that also survived a presidential election, this year’s session and any ramifications on electric cooperatives is, well, rather difficult to predict. In her State of the State Address, Gov. Laura Kelly indicated the administration will focus on economic recovery from the effects of COVID19 and will initiate an economic action plan targeting five areas for economic growth: small business, infrastructure, new job creation, agriculture, and broadband. On the other side of the aisle, the GOP outlined its top priorities this session to include tax reform, safely opening businesses, education, and advancing the “Value of them Both” Constitutional Amendment. Let’s hope the parties find common ground and work together on those issues critical to our rural communities, such as access to broadband and economic recovery. Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.’s public policy engagement focuses on direct advocacy on behalf of our rural electric cooperatives and building relationships with policymakers at the local, state and federal levels. All of this is in partnership with our member co-ops who are focused on those issues directly affecting the affordability of electric rates and the economic stability of the communities the co-ops serve. KEC’s Government Relations staff works on behalf of the 27 distribution electric cooperatives and three generation and transmission co-ops in Kansas. At the direction of the KEC Legislative Committee, staff will be engaged under the dome (and virtually this session) continuing to foster relationships with newly elected lawmakers and building upon the strong relationships already forged with tenured legislators. Cooperatives are uniquely structured and it’s KEC’s duty to ensure lawmakers understand what makes us different from other utilities, that our consumer-members own
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
FEBRUARY 2021
their co-ops and that the co-ops were built by — and belong to — the community members we serve. KEC staff looks to member cooperatives for guidance on public policy issues. Through discussions with the KEC committees, the KEC board, and local co-op leaders, direction is provided on issues to advocate for, those to advocate against and where to stand neutral. Criteria used to guide our position on public policy issues include costs to electric cooperatives, costs to consumer-members of electric cooperatives, potential impacts to the electric cooperative structure, legal obligations placed on electric cooperatives, and overall benefits to consumermembers of Kansas electric co-ops. One such issue, access to reliable broadband, is not only an important quality of life issue for all Kansans but a key to the economic success of our rural communities. When the pandemic shifted work and classroom instructions online, the digital divide in Kansas was exposed to be more like a chasm. Families without internet were forced to find open WiFi hot spots made possible by organizations, such as Wheatland Electric Cooperative, to ensure their kids could simply complete homework. As a member of the Statewide Broadband Expansion Task Force formed during the 2018 legislative session, KEC consistently promotes the urgent need for our rural communities to have access to high-speed internet. Kansas electric co-ops can be key partners in delivering rural broadband and we continue to explore ways to advance broadband deployment across the state, looking at a variety of models and whether they are viable options for their cooperatives. As we complete nearly a full year of pandemic upheaval in our lives, perhaps 2021 will be the year we, as co-ops, the state and our nation, make decisive headway on eliminating broadband disparities. KCL LEE TAFANELLI is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.
E N E R GY W I S E
Which Kitchen Appliance Should I Upgrade?
BY PAT K E E G A N A N D B R A D T H I E S S E N
I just bought a home that was built in the 1970s. The kitchen appliances are so old that they may be originals, but we only have enough money for one appliance upgrade. Which appliance replacement will help reduce our energy bills the most? – Jessica D E AR J E SS I CA: You’re smart to consider energy use as you look at replacing appliances because most new appliances use much less energy than they did in the past. Manufacturers have found innovative ways to reduce appliance energy use without sacrificing performance. The federal government began tightening appliance standards in the 1980s and has continued as technological innovations became more cost-effective. It may seem like the oldest appliance should go first. That may make sense if you want the looks and features of a newer oven or dishwasher. But with most appliances, the energy savings you get from a new one will take several years to pay for itself with the energy saved. The appliance replacement most likely to produce the greatest energy savings is your refrigerator. An older fridge can cost about $20 to run every month. Replacing an old fridge with a new ENERGY STAR®-rated model can cut that down to less than $5 a month. The ENERGY STAR® label certifies that the appliance saves energy. New refrigerators will include an additional label, the
C O L L A B O R AT I V E E F F I C I E N C Y
D E AR PAT AN D B R AD : My husband and
Energy Guide label, which shows how much energy it uses annually and compares that to the most and least efficient models available. It’s also possible to measure how much energy your fridge is using with a kWh meter. Energy auditors use these meters to measure energy use for common household appliances. Sometimes the energy use of an older fridge can be reduced by replacing the seal around the door. When you’re looking to replace an old fridge, style counts. A top-freezer setup is the most efficient, while a lower-freezer unit offers medium savings, and a side-by-side style is the least energy efficient. If your goal is to save money on your energy bill, resist the urge to keep the old fridge in the basement or garage — that won’t help you reduce your energy use. An old fridge in an uninsulated garage on a hot summer day can use a lot of When faced with the need for several appliance upgrades while sticking within a budget, there are several factors to consider before deciding which appliance to replace.
10
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
FEBRUARY 2021
This column was co-written by PAT KEEGAN and BRAD THIESSEN of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on surprise energy hogs, please visit: www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.
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energy. Maybe you just need more freezer space. If so, we recommend the most efficient freezer you can find. You can find recommendations on www. energystar.gov. If your current fridge is in good condition, another appliance you may want to consider upgrading is the dishwasher. With most of us spending more time at home these days, chances are you’re using your dishwasher more than you used to. As with any major purchase, be sure to read customer reviews for any brands and models you’re considering, and look for additional opportunities to save money, like an upcoming Presidents Day appliance sale. KCL Replacing an old fridge with an ENERGY STAR®-rated model can cut the monthly cost to operate from $20 to less than $5 a month.
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Clogged, Backed—up Septic System…Can anything Restore It? Dear Darryl DEAR DARRYL: My home is about 10 years old, and so is my septic system. I have always taken pride in keeping my home and property in top shape. In fact, my neighbors and I are always kidding each other about who keeps their home and yard nicest. Lately, however, I have had a horrible smell in my yard, and also in one of my bathrooms, coming from the shower drain. My grass is muddy and all the drains in my home are very slow. My wife is on my back to make the bathroom stop smelling and as you can imagine, my neighbors are having a field day, kidding me about the mud pit and sewage stench in my yard. It’s humiliating. I called a plumber buddy of mine, who recommended pumping (and maybe even replacing) my septic system. But at the potential cost of thousands of dollars, I hate to explore that option. I tried the store bought, so called, Septic treatments out there, and they did Nothing to clear up my problem. Is there anything on the market I can pour or flush into my system that will restore it to normal, and keep it maintained? Clogged and Smelly – Wichita, KS
DEAR CLOGGED AND SMELLY: As a reader of my column, I am sure you are aware that I have a great deal of experience in this particular field. You will be glad to know that there IS a septic solution that will solve your back-up and effectively restore your entire system from interior piping throughout the septic system and even unclog the drain field as well. SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs deliver your system the fast active bacteria and enzymes needed to liquefy solid waste and free the clogs causing your back-up. This fast-acting bacteria multiplies within minutes of application and is specifically designed to withstand many of today’s anti-bacterial cleaners, soaps and detergents. It comes in dissolvable plastic packs, that you just flush down your toilets. It’s so cool. Plus, they actually Guarantee that it restores ANY system, no matter how bad the problem is.
SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs are designed to work on any septic system regardless of design or age. From modern day systems to sand mounds, and systems installed generations ago, I have personally seen SeptiCleanse unclog and restore these systems in a matter of weeks. I highly recommend that you try it before spending any money on repairs. SeptiCleanse products are available online at www.septicleanse.com or you can order or learn more by calling toll free at 1-888-899-8345. If you use the promo code “KSS1", you can get a free shock treatment, added to your order, which normally costs $169. So, make sure you use that code when you call or buy online. FEBRUARY 2021
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Meet Kansas’ supercentenarians Julia Kabance and Gertrude Stern who turn 111 this year
IN 1910, U.S. WORKERS made 22 cents an hour, a stamp cost 2 cents and Ford’s Model T, the first mass produced automobile, was selling for $900 in its second year of production. The American flag had 46 stars and William Howard Taft was president. Life expectancy was 48 years for men and 51 years for women, yet two babies born that year are celebrating their 111th birthdays in Kansas this year. Consider all that Julia Kabance of Wamego and Gertrude Stern of Overland Park witnessed, from two world wars and the tenures of 20 presidents to momentous progress in human and civil rights and unbelievable innovations in technology, science and medicine. These ladies don’t claim to have the secret to a long, healthy life but you can’t miss the lessons in how Kansas’ supercentenarians have lived.
Kabance was born Aug. 10 on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation in northeast Kansas as the second youngest of 12 children. Her family farmed on the reservation and she attended the tribal grade school, public high school in Holton and then took classes at Haskell Institute (now Haskell Indian Nations University) as well as the University of Kansas. During World War II, the then 32-year-old Kabance wanted to serve her country and chose to become one of nearly 150,000 women to join the Women’s Army Corps — they were the first nonnurse females to serve in the United States Army. She spent time at Fort Des Moines, Fort Leavenworth and McChord Field (now McChord Air Force Base) near Tacoma, Washington, performing clerical work to support the war effort. According to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s media relations office, Kabance achieved
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M I C H E L L E S I M O N – P R A I R I E B A N D P O TA W AT O M I N AT I O N
Julia Kabance
Julia Kabance with friend Roy Hale in 2019. Both are life members of American Legion We-Ta-Se Post #410 formed in 1989 to provide a proper full military burial for Prairie Band Potawatomie veterans.
Julia Kabance wearing her WeTa-Se Post #410 ceremonial regalia. We-Ta-Se means “one who is brave or brave warrior.”
Right: Julia Kabance joined the Women’s Army Corps during World War II.
M I N AT I O N
the rank of staff sergeant and served in the Army from 1943-1945, when she was honorably discharged after a case of measles left her with permanent hearing damage. Kabance then returned to Kansas to care for her mother. After her mother died, she began a career in civil service, working for the Air Force in Topeka, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Washington state and spending time on the East Coast before retiring in 1972 while living again on the West Coast. She returned to Kansas in 1979 and lived independently until 2019 in St. Marys, not far from where she grew up. A leg injury made it tough for her to get around on her own and she moved into a nursing care facility in Wamego. “She’s still a firecracker,” said Michelle Simon, a spokesperson for Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. “She’s never let her age slow her down. She was driving until she was 105 or 106.” Simon has spent time with Kabance, including several birthdays. Because of COVID-19, the last in-person celebration was in 2019 when members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Council, elders, family and friends gathered to honor her. “I don’t feel like I’m 109, I feel like I’m 50,” she told visitors. To celebrate her becoming a supercentenarian last August, dozens of motorcyclists from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association drove a parade outside the nursing home, then stopped to sing Happy Birthday with tribal council members and members of the We-Ta-Se American Legion Post #410, where Kabance is a lifetime member and is the lone living veteran of WWII. Kabance is the oldest member of the Prairie Band Potawatomie Nation and also is believed to be the oldest living female American veteran of
WWII and the oldest Native American WWII veteran. When she turned 108, she told Topeka television station WIBW the key to her longevity was green foods and beans. She’s also credited staying active, whether it was working in her yard or exercising. Simon has heard Kabance mention other lifestyle choices, too. “One of the reasons she says she’s lived so long is that she never married and didn’t have the added stress of raising a family,” Simon said. “Something that was special to her throughout her life was serving others when she could, whether that was spending time with veterans or through her church.” Kabance made time to volunteer in the Catholic church during her career and once she retired. She also spent decades assisting physical therapy patients at Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka.
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Kabance is the oldest member of the Prairie Band Potawatomie Nation ... and the oldest Native American WWII veteran. FEBRUARY 2021
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Gertrude Stern Stern rode in a convertible as grand marshal of the Overland Park Fall Festival parade for her 108th birthday and last year Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach proclaimed her birthday Gertrude Stern Day as 100 to 150 people gathered to celebrate her 110th birthday. During his speech, the mayor announced Stern is the oldest living resident of Kansas, though there’s nobody to confirm this since the government doesn’t track such statistics, and she is the oldest member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. Gertrude Stern rides in style in the 2018 This month’s birthday will be more Overland Park Parade at the age of 108. subdued as the risk of COVID-19 continues. While Stern doesn’t like having who moved the family to to be isolated as much as the past year the Kansas City area when has required, she takes that news with her signature she was 3 years old. She positive attitude. worked in a millinery “I’ve never been one to let things bother me. I just take life as it comes and keep a good attitude shop before marrying Morris and Gertrude Stern about it,” she said in a phone interview in January. Morris Stern in 1933. married in 1933 and were She was born Gertrude Maizel on Feb. 27 in They had three chilmarried for 62 years. Sioux City, Iowa, to Russian immigrant parents dren — Neuman, Phil and Jaclyn — and were married 62 years when he died in 1995. The couple moved to Countryside, Kansas, in 1950 to what was then a sparsely populated area on the outskirts of Kansas City known for quality schools. It eventually grew into what is now known as the larger community of Mission; as an adult, Stern’s oldest son Neuman raised horses on his farm near Hillsdale about 30 miles south. Stern stayed in that home for 67 years, until Neuman, who came by five days a week, died in 2017. She then moved into an Overland Park independent living apartment that Phil helps her manage from his home in Colorado with daily calls. She drove until she was 105 and regularly attended group cardio exercise class at the Heritage Gertrude Stern, who will turn 111 on Feb. 27, is shown Center at the Jewish Community Center of Greater here exercising at 107 years of age. Kansas City until she was 107. She continues to
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walk at least three times a day, with assistance, going to the senior living facility’s main building for meals. She also participates in programs for stretching and upper body exercises, and Phil said she voted in the November 2020 election. Stern attributes her long life to being active and faithfully taking vitamins for much of her life and keeping her mind busy through travel, hobbies and volunteerism. In recent years, her hobbies have become more difficult. She doesn’t read as many Danielle Steele romance novels as she did a few years ago, and arthritis in her right hand has forced her to stop sewing and crocheting. She sewed clothing items for newborns in hospitals and seniors in nursing homes for decades. Still, she considers herself lucky to have not dealt with much illness in her life. Son Phil, now 80 years old, believes his mother’s mindset has been more important to her longevity than anything physical. “She has the most positive attitude about life,” he said. “Enduring an age like this can be some-
Gertrude Stern, second from left, is surrounded by family. From left: daughter Jaclyn Beaulieu, son Phil Stern and his wife Mary.
thing that could depress a person greatly because all of your contemporaries have died. Mom has been resilient, and I have to compliment her on that drive and attitude. She has aches and pains that come and go, but she’s able to deal with it and continues to have a positive outlook.” KCL
KEC CELEBRATES 80 YEARS WITH THROWBACK PHOTOS It’s always fun to look back at old family photos and recall fond memories. Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC) is no different. Our co-ops, the people who power them and the consumer-members and communities they serve are a family. As KEC celebrates it’s 80th anniversary this year, we’ll share memories of the “family members” and events that have shaped our organization. This month, we focus on two retiring co-op managers with a combined service of nearly 75 years to Kansas electric cooperatives. LEFT: Dale Short, manager of Butler Electric Cooperative, El Dorado, (pictured center) retires Feb. 28 after 31 years of service to the co-op. Enjoy retirement, Dale! This photo was taken at KEC’s 60th Annual Meeting. RIGHT: Chuck Look, retired manager of Prairie Land Electric, completed his co-op career in January 2021 after 42 years of service. Congratulations, Chuck!
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THE PRESIDENT ’S PEN
Fun, Love, Reverence Ingredients for Living Life BY T E R RY H O B B S
Terry Hobbs
Three days and three ingredients for living life to the utmost for mind, body and soul.
IT’S BEEN SAID THAT WITHOUT VALENTINE’S DAY, February would look well, just like January. Yes, Valentine’s is a unique and amorous day when more flowers, cards and gems are bought, sent and delivered than any other day of the year. Before we get our fill of assorted chocolates and those little candy hearts with the catchy sayings on them, let’s look at a day deserving of real celebration. The second day of the second month of every year a cute and furry little creature named Punxsutawney Phil crawls out of his burrow where dignitaries, meteorologists, and actually the whole world await to learn if he sees his shadow. Officially known as Groundhog Day, it began back on Feb. 2, 1887, in a German community in Pennsylvania. Lore has it that animals could predict the weather. If the groundhog sees his shadow, he becomes scared and retreats back into his comfy den for what is sure to be another six weeks of winter. This is somewhat similar to the same method my grain and livestock market adviser uses. Groundhog Day is not a public holiday but perhaps it should be. It carries no political baggage, no controversy, no tax burden. Celebrating the day may need to only include a sausage and pancake feed down at the community center while listen-
Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on icecovered sidewalks, steps, driveways and porches. Take precautionary measures to keep yourself on your feet this winter. If you do fall, protect your head above all else. Remember to never stick your arms out to try to brace yourself. This can easily cause a broken wrist or arm.
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ing or dancing to polka music, quite possibly the Pennsylvania Polka. February also honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as well as the remembrance of all the American presidents. Although February is the shortest month of the year, it contains three days on the calendar for fun, love and reverence. Three days and three ingredients for living life to the utmost for mind, body and soul. In these times of social change and restrictions, taking advantage of what life has to offer seems to just make good sense. This month I would like to acknowledge and congratulate 12 electric cooperatives for their combined efforts in developing a new solar farm project. These cooperatives are: 4 Rivers, Ark Valley, Bluestem, Butler, CMS, DSO, FreeState, Heartland, Ninnescah, Sedgwick, Sumner-Cowley and Twin Valley. This is definitely an outstanding example of rural electric cooperatives working together to provide energy and service to their consumer-members. Happy February Kansas Country Living followers! KCL TERRY HOBBS is the board president for Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. He is also a member of Western Cooperative Electric’s Board of Trustees in WaKeeney.
ICE MELT
Use ice melt or sand on your sidewalks and driveways. If you don’t have any, try non-clumping cat litter.
FEBRUARY 2021
Wear gloves, a hat and a bulky coat, which can cushion a fall. Wear footwear that can grip the ice or detachable ice cleats.
If you must walk on ice, slow down and shorten your stride. Keep your hands out of your pockets to help balance and use handrails wherever available.
When exiting your vehicle, use multiple points of contact. Grip your car’s door frame and either your steering wheel or the grab handle on your car’s frame.
Valentine’s Day Across 1
5 9 10 14 16 18 19 21 23 24 25 26 28 31 33 34 35 39 40 41 43 45 47 49 50 52
“____ believing in just one mind” Phil Collins (2 words) Rose holders “I ___ you” Bob Dylan Dream for the future (3 words) Main squeeze Pothole-filling stuff, often Girl’s name in Hawaii that means “beautiful” “Come Away with Me” singer, first name Aragorn’s love in “The Lord of the Rings” Armand Hammer art museum is here Ego’s pals Well-kept secret, for some “__ of a Woman” movie Forever Valentine’s Day gift Hospital show “What was ___ think?” (2 words) Haul “Hearts in Atlantis” actor, Hopkins Long for Date Award Sweet Valentine’s Day gift MJ’s sweetheart, in film Boldly Diamond or heart, e.g. Average name “Casablanca” pianist
Actress who plays Spiderman’s love 54 Coyly 53
Down 1 2 3 4 5
Romantic crooner, ___ Jones Yellow ribbon location? (2 words) Longoria of “Desperate Housewives” International Bollywood star (last name) “Batman Forever” actor Kilmer
6 7 8 11 12 13 15 17 19 20 21 22 27
Any day now Time for love messages (3 words) Katie’s daughter Cheyenne’s state Bering, e.g.: abbr. Romantic Pacific island “Bambi” character Boat races What an Inuit kisses with Will Smith romance movie Oakland baseball players Lost fish Attend without an invitation
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29 30 32
36 37 38 42 43 44 46 48 51
Juan starter Gotten to fall in love with, in a way (2 words) Nicole Kidman’s character’s lover in “Cold Mountain” Keanu Reeves role Sherlock Holmes, for short To this day Take off Wine bottle inserts Gazed amorously Keats’ creations Bottom line Hot
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YO U R P L A C E I N T H E G A R D E N
The Art of Bonsai
Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.
Junipers (Juniperus) are among the most popular for bonsai. This is a genus of hardy evergreens that enable novices to explore training and maintenance techniques with reduced risk of catastrophic failure.
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BY C Y N T H I A D O M E N G H I N I , P H . D .
BONSAI IS A GARDENING PRACTICE from Japan which translates to “planted in a container.” With proper pruning, the result is a miniaturized form of the original plant. The small containers used in Bonsai gardening limit the amount of water, nutrients and space for the roots and above ground growth to expand. This technique can be used successfully with almost all perennial trees or shrubs that have woody stems. There are some species that are easier to maintain as a bonsai and are therefore recommended for beginners. Junipers (Juniperus) are among the most popular for bonsai. This is a genus of hardy evergreens that enable novices to explore training and maintenance techniques with reduced risk of catastrophic failure. Junipers live outdoors yearround but when winter temperatures drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, they need some protection. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. For pruning, consider the desired silhouette shape. Shoots that grow beyond this shape can be snipped but use caution not to remove all the new growth at one time or the tree will become weak. Another popular bonsai specimen is the genus ficus (Ficus). Contrary to the juniper, ficus is an indoor species. During the summer, ficus can thrive outdoors as they prefer high humidity and plenty of sunlight. To develop a thick trunk, do not prune the tree for the first two years. Then prune the branches back to just a few leaves to obtain the common tree shape. Leaves of a bonsai ficus may grow to the natural size, so you may choose to prune the leaves to obtain a miniature version. Ficus branches can easily be grafted to create interesting designs by tying the branches together. As the tree grows the branches will fuse together. Azalea (Rhododendron) is technically a shrub but is a popular bonsai specimen because of the profuse flowering and ease of care. Azaleas can endure the summers outdoors but prefer some shade during the heat of the day. During the flowering season, protect your azalea from the rain and intense sunlight to prolong the bloom. Bring azalea bonsais indoors for the winter. Azaleas will suffer from soil that is too dry, so
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regular watering is necessary using caution not to leave the soil over-saturated. Rainwater or filtered tap water are ideal for azaleas. Pruning should be done at the base of the branches to achieve the shape you desire. It is best to prune azaleas as soon as flowering has stopped. Regular fertilization is recommended for bonsai plants due to the limits of soil and naturally available nutrients. Follow recommendations based on the species you are growing. Wiring is another maintenance option common for bonsai trees. This is not required but can be helpful for shaping the plant as desired. Bonsai plants need to be repotted periodically with fresh soil. Depending on the species you are growing the soil needs will vary. Azaleas perform best with a specific soil for that species. Bonsai soil is appropriate for ficus and junipers. If successful, a mature bonsai tree will resemble the full-size version found in nature in a miniature form. This art form takes years of attention to detail and patience. Records claim some of the oldest bonsai specimens have been tended to for over 800 years. Bonsai is a hobby that can allow generations of gardeners to pass along advice and treasured plants for many years to come. KCL CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online certificate program.
This ficus bonsai has been allowed to grow natural-sized leaves on a short, thickened stem. At this stage, it is ready for wire and training.
HEALTHY Eats FOIL BAKED FISH AND VEGGIES
MULTIGRAIN SALAD OVER GREENS* YIELD: 8 SERVINGS
ROBIN CONOVER
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
f 2 tsp. unsalted butter f 1 large leek, thinly sliced f 4 cups low sodium vegetable
(no more than 5 ounces each), such as halibut, cod or tilapia f 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh chives f 2 tsp. orange zest f 1/4 tsp. salt f 1/4 tsp. black pepper f 1/2 pound carrots, peeled and cut in thick matchsticks* f 1/2 pound thin zucchini, cut in thick matchsticks f 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice f 1 Tbs. olive oil
Preheat oven to 400 F. Arrange four 12-inch squares of aluminum foil on the countertop. Spray each with cooking spray and top with the fish fillet. Sprinkle evenly with the chives, zest, salt and pepper. Arrange the carrots and zucchini around each fillet. Drizzle with the orange juice and oil. Fold the foil over the fish and vegetables, crimping the edges tightly to seal. Place each packet on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake 14 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve each packet warm on a dinner plate, being careful to unwrap. *Substitute fresh parsnips for the carrots if desired.
MAKES 6 SERVINGS
SILKY GARLIC SPREAD YIELD: 2 CUPS
f 1 Tbs. canola oil f 4 tsp. canola oil, divided
f 4 fish fillets of your choice
SPICED STUFFED PEPPERS
BY TA M M Y A L G O O D
or chicken stock f 1/2 cup pearl barley f 1/2 cup brown rice f 1/2 cup golden raisins or dried currants f 1/4 cup bulgur wheat f 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or pine nuts f 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley f 1/2 tsp. garlic salt f 1/4 tsp. black pepper f Mixed salad greens f 2 Tbs. olive oil f Parmesan shreds for garnish Place 2 teaspoons of the canola oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted, add the leeks and cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the stock, pearl barley and brown rice. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook 35 minutes, then stir in the raisins and bulgur. Cover and cook 10 minutes longer. Meanwhile, place the remaining canola oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sunflower seeds and saute 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the heat and set aside. When the bulgur is tender, remove from the heat and stir in the sunflower seeds, parsley, salt and pepper. Serve over mixed salad greens and drizzle the top with the olive oil. Garnish with the Parmesan if desired and serve. *If desired, add slices of roasted chicken or grilled fish to the salad.
f 1 medium onion, peeled
and chopped
f 1 Tbs. ground coriander f 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
f 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes f 1 pound ground
f 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini
beans, drained and rinsed
f 1/2 cup drained soft silken tofu f 3 garlic cloves, peeled
turkey or chicken
and minced
f 1 tsp. salt, divided
f 2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
f 1 1/4 cups quinoa
f 6 large red, yellow,
orange or green bell peppers (or a mixture) f 3 ripe tomatoes, cored and peeled f 2 garlic cloves, peeled f 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, coriander, cumin, and pepper flakes, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and the spices smell toasted, about 6 minutes. Add the ground meat and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and cook, breaking it up into clusters with a spoon, until done. Reduce the heat to low and add the quinoa and 1-1/2 cups water. Cover and simmer until the quinoa plumps and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Cut off the tops of the peppers and use a teaspoon to remove the seeds and ribs. Take a very thin slice off the bottom of each pepper to stabilize them and arrange them in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Purée the tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and the remaining salt in a blender until smooth. Stir into the ground meat mixture and pack into the peppers. Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil and cook until the peppers are fork tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm.
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or herbs de province
f 1/2 tsp. onion salt
f 1/4 tsp. black pepper f 1/4 tsp. paprika or
cayenne pepper
f 1/4 cup freshly squeezed
lemon juice
f 1 Tbs. olive oil f Broccoli florets, carrot sticks,
celery stalks, cauliflower florets
f Fresh vegetables such as
celery sticks, carrots, broccoli florets, button mushrooms, cauliflower florets
In a food processor, combine the beans, tofu, garlic, seasoning, salt, pepper and paprika. Add the lemon juice and oil through the shoot and process until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and cover. Allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with the fresh vegetables. Remove from the refrigerator 35 minutes before serving. TAMMY ALGOOD develops recipes for The Tennessee Magazine that feature farm-fresh food. Fresh, local ingredients will always add cleaner, more flavorful foods to your table. Kansas Country Living recommends visiting local farms and farmers markets to find the freshest seasonal produce. KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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The Circle of
Health Fitness
P I X A B AY
and
to be more healthy and fit? Should I modify my eating habits? What if I add more exercise? Should I work on both? “To attain a moderate level of health and fitness, it’s a dual-pronged approach,” says Natasha Weddle, founder of TNB Fitness and The New Beginnings Center in Nashville. “Sure, you can make better choices of what you put into your body, but healthy eating is only part of the equation. Or you could start an exercise program to improve your fitness, but unless you have a combination of both, you’re selling yourself short.” A former college basketball player, she learned by experience — and five surgeries — the importance of a well-rounded approach to health and wellness. She spent 17 years as a strength and conditioning coach. Then Weddle created TNB Fitness to promote a full circle of health and fitness that helps people maximize their potential. “Let’s start with the ‘Triple Seven Rule,’ an uncomplicated way to build new habits that can be easy to incorporate into your lifestyle,” she says. “Apply the Triple Sevens to ‘Walk, Water and Sleep,’ and you’re well on your way to becoming healthier and more fit, even if you’re not into making massive changes.”
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO
Here’s the Formula, Developed by Strength Matters: f WALK: seven days a week, taking 7,000 steps
each day
f WATER: seven days a week, drinking seven
glasses a day f SLEEP: seven days a week, getting seven hours a day
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“The beauty of the Triple Sevens is that you can approach it gradually,” she says. “For instance, if you don’t walk purposefully at all, consider walking three days a week, and aim for an incremental number that’s fewer than 7,000 steps each day, something you’re comfortable with. After a week or so, push yourself to add more steps and another day. Depending on your commitment, you’ll likely build up to seven days, 7,000 steps in four to eight weeks.” The same holds true for adding more water to your daily intake. “Break it down into manageable goals: A glass of water before breakfast, another glass at lunch and another at dinner results in three of the seven each day,” she says. “If you’re already drinking that much water, add another glass between meals or after your daily walk.” Statistics show that nearly 75% of all Americans are dehydrated and that the average human drinks only 1.8 cups of water daily, according to the website waterlogic.com. “That’s simply not enough water for your vital organs to function properly,” Weddle says. “Water is not only vital for proper digestion and processing the food you eat, it’s crucial to keep your muscles, kidneys, liver and even your brain working at peak. And research shows that water is much more critical for survival than food.” Water is the ideal beverage to consume. “Avoid drinks with added sugar or empty calories; fruit
OST E OA RT H R I T I S AC T I O N A L L I A N C E
BY PA M E L A A . K E E N E
juices, which may sound like a good choice are loaded with sugar. Even supposed sports drinks don’t provide the full circle of benefits that plain old water supplies.” As for sleep, Weddle says that between seven and eight hours is ideal for the average person, but 33% of the population gets less than six and a half hours each night. “The hours of quality sleep you get nightly affect not only your focus and energy level during the day, it also contributes to weight gain over time,” she says. “Additionally, if you’re short-circuiting the amount of sleep you get, you increase your risk of heart attacks, stroke and sudden cardiac death.”
Ease into Exercise
Upping your walking game can add cardiovascular exercise to your lifestyle, which is especially good for your heart, joint and muscle health. Just be sure to check with your physician before you begin any exercise program to ensure you have no underlying conditions that might preclude exercise. People often put off exercising because they think it’s a large commitment of time, and if they don’t have time, they just don’t do it at all. “Start slowly, increase your movement every day and build up your time,” Weddle says. “If you’re a couch potato, just a little bit is a good start. As little as 15 minutes a day can boost your life expectancy by up to three years.” Once you’ve improved your fitness level, a shorter, less frequent routine two or three days a week will help you maintain it. “But don’t overlook another important aspect of fitness: flexibility and strength training,” Weddle says. “Both will help with your overall health and help you deal with the possibility of arthritis, bone density issues and osteoporosis.” As people age, they naturally lose bone mass. “By rounding out your fitness program with gentle stretching and low-weight work, you’re helping delay the aging process and keeping your body fitter.” Mobility work is a good part of any routine, but it’s probably the most overlooked because people get into a hurry. “Warming up before any exercise — walking, strength training or playing a sport — can help prepare your body for exercise,” she says. “A warmup can be five minutes of moving your body plus a little gentle jogging in place, just enough to let your body know you’re changing your pace.”
Thoughts About Food and Weight Loss
The Triple Sevens is a good first step to improving overall health and fitness, but what about embarking on a journey to lose weight? “First, if you drink water before meals, your stomach will signal your brain that you’re not as hungry as you feel, and you’ll eat less,” she says. “Also, slow down and be mindful of eating your meal; sit at the dinner table without distractions such as television or reading. Chew thoroughly and enjoy the process of eating. Take at least 20 to 30 minutes to finish your meal; that allows your stomach to signal your brain that you’ve satisfied your hunger.” She recommends ways to help stave off hunger between meals. “Rather than a grain-based breakfast, eat whole eggs,” she says. “The protein in eggs will help you feel more satisfied than cereal, pancakes or toast.” Drinking coffee or green tea can also help with raising your metabolism. “Studies show that the caffeine can boost your metabolism by between 3 and 11% and increase fat burning by 10 to 29%,” Weddle says. Added sugar can be the worst culprit in today’s food intake. “For one, sugar is undeniably associated with the risk of obesity, plus diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Just cutting back on sugar and choosing healthier alternatives can improve your health and wellness.” If you must snack, keep healthy options around such as nuts, raw vegetables, fruit, whey protein and unsweetened yogurt. Weddle also recommends adding more fruit, vegetables and fiber to your diet, always being mindful that what goes in your body — paired with some sort of activity — is a healthy approach. “If you only do the Triple Sevens, make better nutrition choices and commit to them longterm, you will notice a difference in your energy level, your concentration and your mindset,” she says. “Remember that improving your health and fitness is a life-long journey. It all starts with small steps. It took years to become the person you are, so don’t expect instant results. Fully enjoy the rest of your life.” KCL is a freelance journalist who specializes in travel, gardening, personality and feature writing. She is also a photographer and accomplished sailor.
PAMELA A. KEENE
TRIPLE 7 RULE
WA L K WATER SLEEP FEBRUARY 2021
7 DAYS A WEEK, TAKING 7,000 STEPS EACH DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK, DRINKING 7 GLASSES A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK, GETTING 7 HOURS A DAY
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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Walk with
EASE N O M AT T E R W H AT YO U R AG E
P I X A B AY
BY PA M E L A A . K E E N E
Walking has a number of benefits. It can strengthen muscles, which helps support joints and keep them better aligned.
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Almost anyone can do it, and it’s one of the best paths to fitness and health. “Walking can be done anywhere at any time, and it’s an excellent way to stay active and healthy,” says Serena Weisner, MS, director of community programming for the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance (OAAA), a national coalition working to raise awareness and provide education about osteoarthritis. “Research has shown that walking regularly can help prevent osteoarthritis and help keep people in better shape.” ‘Walk With Ease’
The OAAA, headquartered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is working with the Arthritis Foundation across the country to implement “Walk With Ease,” a self-directed program that lets people work at their own pace to increase their activity. “Walk With Ease” has so many benefits for people of any age, from improving balance and strength to helping people feel more confident in their ability to be active,” Weisner says. “It includes a workbook with a walking plan and is available in English and Spanish for $11.95.” Online videos found at www.arthritis. org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physicalactivity/walking/walk-with-ease/wwe-exercises demonstrate recommended stretches, warm ups and cool downs to help people walk more safely. People of any age can experience arthritis.
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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“There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can be improved by staying active and is most common in people in their 60s and older, but it can affect younger people as well,” Weisner says. “Research has confirmed that people who stay consistently active tend to manage osteoarthritis more effectively than those who are sedentary. This is opposite of what many people believe. They often think that if their joints hurt, they shouldn’t move, but that’s just not true.”
Reap the Good Things
Walking has a number of benefits. It can strengthen muscles, which helps support joints and keep them better aligned. It can also improve cardiovascular health and blood pressure. Walking can also be a great strategy for decreasing stress.
Walk with Ease “No matter what your fitness or activity level, starting a walking routine is achievable,” Weisner says. “You don’t need any special equipment other than a supportive pair of walking shoes; it’s an easy activity that you can do at your own pace; and it’s low-impact, so it is less likely to injure joints than higher impact activities like jogging or running might.”
Getting Started
“Ask yourself to identify your barriers to walking. Write them down, then take them on one at a time,” Weisner says. “If you say you don’t have time, work it into your daily routine bit by bit. For instance, park your car farther away from the store when you’re running errands or march in place when you are on conference calls. If you lack motivation, find a walking partner so you can inspire each other. If you’re bored, listen to music or podcasts to get you going. If you can’t walk outside, walk inside your home.” “Walking is very individual. Start out slowly, perhaps only doing five or 10 minutes a couple of days a week, and build up your routine,” she says.
The Best Routine
Weisner recommends following Walk
With Ease’s five-step approach for a good and safe walking routine. “Your walk is more than the walking part,” she says. “For the first five minutes, do a slow warm up of your muscles followed by a few gentle stretches. Then walk at your own pace for your own amount of time. When you’ve finished, take another five minutes to cool down by walking slowly and stretch again. This will help prevent muscle soreness and reduce the risk of injury.” For maximum effectiveness, build up to 30 minutes a day for five days. “This can be done in two 15-minute walks or three 10-minute walks. The goal is to eventually walk about 150 minutes a week to reap the greatest benefits. “If you need to start more slowly or miss a few days or a week, don’t get discouraged,” she says. “Create a walking program that works for you and your lifestyle. The key is to start where you are, set achievable goals and realize that you’re doing a positive thing for yourself. It’s a good habit to get into that will give you long-term benefits for your overall health and wellness.” KCL
5-STEP BASIC WALKING PATTERN 1 WARM-UP Get ready for your walk by walking at a slow pace or marching in place for 3-5 minutes.
2 3
PAMELA A. KEENE is a freelance journalist who specializes in travel, gardening, personality and feature writing. She is also a photographer and accomplished sailor.
GENTLY STRETCH
Stretch both sides of the body, don’t bounce and make sure you are not holding your breath.
WALK
The amount of time you walk depends on your capacity. It can range from 5-30 minutes. Aim for reaching 30 minutes total 5 days/week.
4 COOL DOWN
Allow heart rate to recover or return to a more resting level.
UNC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
5 For maximum effectiveness, build up to 30 minutes a day for five days. The goal is to eventually walk 150 minutes a week. FEBRUARY 2021
GENTLY STRETCH AGAIN
Repeat the same stretches you did during the warm-up but hold each for 45 seconds on each side. Remember to breathe!
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C O O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E
Love of Cooking Leads to a Winner Chicken Dinner, Other Prize Recipes BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D
in the Beloit apartment of Mary Lou Berndt stitches together the initials of her six children — five sons and a daughter. Sewing is also a thread that happens to connect Berndt to cooking. The award-winning cook recalled that it was sewing, in fact, that got her started in the kitchen. “I asked my mom to make me a dress for a dance that was coming up,” the Glasco native said. “Cooking was not really her thing — I learned to cook with my grandma. My mom was more of a seamstress. And she would tell me that
I had to help cook if I wanted a new dress.” So at 14, Berndt, the third of eight siblings, began making the family meals. When she was cooking and entertaining for her own growing family, Berndt learned she had a knack for creating her own recipes and putting a creative spin on others. And she also eventually discovered something else. “I guess I just like to compete,” she said. In a visit (pre-COVID-19), the youthful Berndt, Rebecca Howard now 92, reflected on some of the adventurous highlights in her life. Contained in scrapbooks keeping a lifetime of memories — including an article about Berndt and husband Bill’s meeting “Tarzan” actor and Olympic medalist Johnny Weissmuller while attending a Chicago pool-building seminar in the 1960s Sunshine Chicken Pie, Glasco native Mary Lou Berndt’s national prize(they owned and ran Glasco Lumber winning recipe, is a re-imagined chicken pot pie, where the carrots add Company); winning a weeklong fishing golden color to the biscuits serving as the top crust, and the bright peas trip to Lake Powell in 1982; and being are almost like a topping. When Berndt shared the recipe in a guest column special guests and meeting Pope John she wrote in 1980 for The Salina Journal, she described the pie as “almost Paul II in 1984 for an anniversary of a one-dish meal,” but suggested adding a leafy salad and a light dessert of sparkling water poured over melon balls. the World War II Liberation of Rome (Bill Berndt was a member of the First f 1 whole broilerf 7 Tbs. flour f Carrot Biscuits: Special Service Force) — are clippings fryer chicken recipe follows f 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire of numerous articles highlighting Bersauce f 2 cups water (about) f 1 pkg. (10-oz.) frozen ndt’s prize-winning cooking. peas, cooked, f 3 celery tops f 1/8 tsp. pepper seasoned, buttered A number of recipes she created f 1 Tbs. salt f 1/8 tsp. ground mace either won or placed in local, regional f 1 bay leaf f 7 Tbs. butter or national contests in the 1980s and f 1 cup light cream f 12 small onions, cooked 1990s. Her winning recipes have ranged Place chicken in deep saucepan. Add water, celery, salt and bay leaf. Cover and simmer about 45 from a shrimp appetizer plate to a minutes or until a fork can be inserted in chicken with ease. Cool. cherry-pineapple pie. Strain and reserve broth; add water, if needed to measure 2 cups liquid. Separate meat from Her Sunshine Chicken Pie, a creamy bones. Discard bones and skin. Cut chicken in bite-size pieces and place in large baking pan or chicken stew topped with biscuits made casserole. “sunny” with grated carrots (recipe In small bowl, mix together cream, flour, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and mace; reserve. shared here), was beloved by BerIn medium saucepan, make sauce by melting butter over medium heat, gradually add flour ndt’s family (one son still requests it). mixture and chicken broth. Cook, stirring, about 7 minutes or until mixture is thick and bubbly. Her daughter, the late JoLynn Keller, a school district and restaurant cook, Pour sauce over chicken, top with onions; then biscuits. Bake, uncovered, in 425-degree oven about 20 minutes or until biscuits are golden. To serve, place spoonful of peas in center of each even served the pie as a special every biscuit. Makes 4 servings Wednesday at her Glasco restaurant, Keller’s Keg, for several years. CARROT BISCUITS: In large bowl, place 2 cups biscuit mix and 1/2 cup raw grated carrot. Add milk according to package directions and mix until soft dough forms. On hard floured In 1980, Mary Lou sent the recipe surface, roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with doughnut cutter dipped in flour. Brush in to the National Chicken Cooking top with light cream. Contest, sponsored by the National A HANDMADE QUILT
Sunshine Chicken Pie
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FEBRUARY 2021
Broiler Council, and represented Kansas as one of the finalists who were awarded a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, to compete — and cook —their chicken dishes for a panel of judges that included cookbook authors, food editors and radio and television hosts. Berndt finished in the top five and won $1,000 ... her winning recipe putting the Kansan on the map. In a guest column she later wrote for The Salina Journal, Berndt recalled the event: “Fifty-one contestants took their places in the World Congress Center and grilled, fried, microwaved or baked their winning recipes before an audience of about 2,000 ... Contestants prepared their dishes twice, the first went to the judges for tasting and the second for display,” Berndt wrote. “Between tastes, judges cleared their taste buds with celery sticks, unbuttered bread squares, soda crackers, water and coffee.” After four hours of tasting, the winners were chosen. In 1989, Berndt took the top prize in the Holiday Cookbook Contest hosted by The Salina Journal for her Black Bean Taco Salad, which had already been a hit for those in Berndt’s circle who had eaten it. “I first tried this out for a potluck” she said of the recipe. “That’s a good way to see a lot of good dishes and eat a lot of good ones.” On a stormy day in Salina that included rain, wind and hail, Berndt assembled part of the salad in her car outside the building where the contest was held, since it was a dish that needed to come to the competition prepared. The salad, made up of cooked black beans, as well as avocado, cheese, salsa, corn and red-tipped lettuce arranged with yellow and blue tortilla chips caught the eye and tastebuds of the judges, and Berndt won first place out of more than 70 competitors. That winning recipe affirmed what Berndt and other good cooks know — sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. “Things like that salad aren’t hard to make,” she said. “But it looks like it is.” She competed again with another recipe in 1995, winning The Great American Cherry Pie Contest with her Cherry Pine Pie, a recipe that includes raspberry gelatin, cherry pie filling,
Mary Lou Berndt learned she had a knack for creating her own recipes and putting a creative spin on others.
crushed canned pineapple, almond flavoring and walnuts in a graham cracker crust. Berndt said the recipe was partly inspired by Jell-O salads that included pineapple. Reflecting on cooking and competing she offered advice to aspiring cooks: “You have to want to do it. And if you want to do it, you will.” And even being creative in recipe development, Berndt advised on keeping detailed instructions. “I really think you have to have a recipe to know your amounts,” she said. Berndt still knows a good recipe and her stillcompetitive nature has her toying with the idea of entering competitions again. She considers a fudge recipe (winning to those who have tried it) that follows that simple-is-best motto —“Melting the chocolate is the longest part,” she laughed — as a possible future contender. KCL REBECCA HOWARD grew up in Kansas and has written for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Los Angeles Times and LA Parent Magazine, and currently writes the food blog, “A Woman Sconed.”
FEBRUARY 2021
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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SAFETY
10
Ways to Prevent Slips, Trips, Falls
THE RISK OF SLIPPING, TRIPPING, AND FALLING increases dramatically during winter months. To help you stay safe this season, here are 10 winter safety tips to prevent slips, trips and falls:
1
Use special care when getting in and out of vehicles. Try to park your vehicle in a clear area and watch where you step as you get in or out.
2
Avoid carrying items that reduce your ability to see the ground in front of you. Whether it’s one big item or five small ones, ask for help or take multiple trips so that you are never obstructing your sight.
3
Scan the path six or more feet ahead of you for trip hazards. Make sure your route ahead is clear of hazards such as rocks, clumps of snow, or a stray branch.
4
Walk slowly and take small steps. Walking slowly and taking small steps will help you maintain your balance.
5
Wear footwear that has slip-resistant soles. As the name indicates, slip-resistant soles lessen your chance of slipping on ice, snow, or water.
6
Plan ahead and give yourself sufficient time to get where you need to go. Whether walking or driving, leave your current location 5-10 minutes early in case roads and sidewalks are covered with snow and ice.
7
If you do happen to slip, try to avoid using your arms to break your fall. Also, if you fall backward, tuck your chin into your chest to prevent hitting your head against the ground.
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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8
Watch out for black ice when walking. Try tapping your foot on potentially slick areas to see if they are safe to walk on. If not, find another route to take.
9
Use your vehicle for support when entering and exiting. If you’re parked in a potentially slick area, be sure to hold onto your car when entering and exiting so you can maintain your balance.
10
When entering a building, be sure to wipe your feet. Removing as much snow and water as possible from your shoes will decrease your chance of slipping when walking around inside. KCL
Reprinted from MSA The Safety Company, a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people, and facility infrastructures.
FEBRUARY 2021
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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Beary Sweet Valentine’s Snack Mix
Pigskin Potatoes
KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, FEBRUARY 2021
Make a Valentine’s Day snack with your kiddos with little clean up required.
KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, FEBRUARY 2021
Bacon and potatoes, what’s not to love? These crispy potatoes are sure to wow.
Celebration Cupcakes
Big Game Fritos® Pie
KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, F E BRU ARY 2021
Oh so special and decadent, these cupcakes are easy to bake and celebrate!
KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, F E BRU ARY 2021
Homemade chili adds the perfect touch to this portable snack.
Pigskin Potatoes f 1 1/2 lbs. little gold potatoes
Big Game Fritos® Pie f 1 1/2 cups beer (12 ounce can)
f 1/8 tsp. salt
f 1/8 tsp. pepper
f 2 pounds ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
f jalapenos, to taste (optional)
f 1 lb. bacon, thinly sliced, cut in half
snack crackers
Store in airtight container.
f 1 cup pretzels
f 1 cup mini marshmallows
chocolate candies
f ½ cup red, white and pink
f ½ cup dried cranberries
COURTESY E AT WHE AT.ORG
For class party, measure ½ cup snack mix into snack bag or serve for a large group in bowl with serving spoon.
Add ingredients to large bowl. Stir to combine.
f 1 cup chocolate bear graham
f 2 cups popcorn f 1 cup cinnamon bear graham snack crackers
Beary Sweet Valentines Snack Mix
COURTESY E AT WI SCONSINP OTATOES .COM
TIP: Bacon-wrapped potatoes can be made ahead of time and kept in refrigerator until ready to bake.
Bake on middle rack 10 minutes to allow bacon to set. Flip and bake 10 minutes. Turn oven to broil. Broil 2 minutes, turn and broil 2 minutes until bacon reaches desired crispiness.
Once potatoes cool, spread cream cheese on one half of each cut potato and sandwich using other half. Wrap each potato using half slice of bacon around cut middle to secure cheese filling.
In bowl, use spatula to combine cream cheese, cheddar, chives, salt, pepper and jalapenos, if desired.
Boil potatoes until fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Cut in half and allow to cool.
Preheat oven to 400 F.
room temperature
f 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
f 6 oz. plain cream cheese, at
f 3 Tbs. fresh chives, finely chopped
f 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
f 8 bags (1 to 2 oz. each) FRITOS® Corn Chips
with mild green chiles
f 1 can, 8 oz. tomato sauce
f 1 can, 10 oz. diced tomatoes
f 2 Tbs. cornmeal or masa harina
f 2 tsp. olive oil, divided f 1 medium onion, diced f 2 tsp. chili powder f 1 tsp. ground cumin f 1 tsp. minced garlic f 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Preheat large Dutch oven over high heat until hot. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and ground beef. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into small crumbles and stir occasionally. Remove beef; set aside. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil over high heat. Add onion; cook until evenly browned. Add cooked ground beef, chili powder, cumin, garlic and cayenne powder. Season with salt, as desired. Stir until combined. Stir in beer, tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, cook 1 hour until chili thickens. Stir in cornmeal. If chili becomes too thick, add a little water. If chili is not thick enough, simmer until desired consistency is reached.
f ½ cup sparkling champagne, room temperature
COURTESY BEEF IT ’S WHAT ’S FOR DINNER
Slice or fold open bags; spoon beef chili on top FRITOS® Corn Chips. Top each bag with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Allow to melt slightly, then serve and enjoy.
Celebration Cupcakes Cupcakes Sweet Champagne Frosting f 1, 16.5 oz. box dry f 3 cups confectioners’ sugar vanilla cake mix f 7 oz. container marshmallow crème f 3 large egg whites f 1 cup sparkling champagne, f ½ cup butter-flavored room temperature shortening f ½ tsp. vanilla f 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two standard-size muffin pans with 24 paper cupcake liners. Blend cake mix, egg whites, champagne, and oil in a large bowl at low speed until moistened (about 30 seconds). Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour batter in pans and bake 17-20 minutes. Cupcakes are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely then frost with Sweet Champagne Frosting. SWEET CHAMPAGNE FROSTING: With an electric mixer, blend together confectioners’ sugar, marshmallow crème, shortening, and vanilla. Add enough champagne to reach desired frosting consistency. Use a spreader or decorative tip to frost cooled cupcakes. NOTE: Cupcakes will need to be kept in a refrigerator or cool place after frosting. COURTESY E AT WHE AT.ORG
FEBRUARY 2021
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WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
The employees of Grandma Hoerner’s. This small business is a member of Bluestem Electric.
Let’s Keep Small Businesses Thriving. It’s time to power a Small Business Comeback across America. Co-op Connections is a free member benefit program brought to you by your local electric cooperative. Download the free app to find discounts from your local merchants. Now you can save money while you support your community’s business owners. Find all the ways to save locally with Co-op Connections! Visit www.SmallBusinessComeback.coop for more information.
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