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living

A publication of

SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS LLC

SPRING 2022

S E N I O R

BRAIN HEALTH SENIOR CENTERS LAST CALL

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Stay sharp as you age Tips for supporting brain health As you get older, you might take steps to develop healthy habits, whether exercising, eating healthier or limiting your consumption of alcohol. But did you know that there are steps you can take to help with your brain health? Such preventive measures might even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s – and the good news is, you might be doing these things anyway, like working on puzzles or trying to get a good night’s sleep. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. In fact, someone in the United States develops the disease every 65 seconds, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 6 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s – a number now projected to reach 7.2 million by 2025. Along with learning more about the disease, these five simple steps could possibly improve brain health, reduce risk of disease and help delay the potential onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

USE IT OR LOSE IT Whether it’s crossword puzzles, reading or painting, keeping your brain mentally stimulated may help keep it young. GET ENOUGH SLEEP Sleep deprivation can lead to problems with memory and cognitive abilities. Sleep is essential for brain maintenance, like removing built-up toxins in your brain. STAY SOCIAL Isolation or loneliness in older adults is associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 26% increased risk of all-cause mortality, according to the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Engaging in activity clubs can help you increase your social interaction and help you stay active. MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICES Studies show moderate exercise can help improve brain function, especially in the areas responsible for learning and memory. Improving these parts of the brain may fight pre-

Alzheimer’s changes often seen in midlife. Talk to your health plan about fitness programs that may be available at no additional cost. Other lifestyle choices, like eating a healthy diet, may also help reduce cardiovascular risk while helping to slow brain aging. MANAGE CHRONIC ILLNESSES Common diseases in older adults, such as diabetes and heart disease, may affect brain function. Talk with your health care provider about treatment plans to help you manage

living S E N I O R

chronic conditions. In addition to these five steps, it is important to have a memory screening completed each year. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members can also take advantage of the HouseCalls program, which offers an annual health and wellness visit in the convenience and privacy of your home, at no additional cost. A HouseCalls licensed practitioner can conduct a memory screening and refer you to additional care, if (BPT) needed. A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115

(262) 728-3411

EDITOR:.................................................................................Tracy Ouellette PAGE DESIGNER:................................................................... Jen DeGroot CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR:............................ Heather Ruenz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR:............................................ Vicki Vanderwerff

FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Call (262) 728-3411 above: If you feel like you or a loved one might be suffering from symptoms of dementia, contact your health care provider. STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

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Steps to keep you on the path to healthy aging As you age, your health needs change. Staying on top of senior wellness activities is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Creating a list of health and wellness to-do’s can help you stay organized, so you look and feel your best. “Aging well is living well and it all starts with a combination of activities that can improve our mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, chief executive officer of Determined Health and a physician specializing in geriatric medicine. “Although health and wellness may seem to get increasingly complicated with age, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few simple – and fun – steps can keep us on the healthy aging path. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing health, seniors can live their best life.” Kaiser shares a simple seniorRegular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, especially for seniors.

“To All of the Wonderful People at Azura Memory Care, o All Wonderful People at Azura Memory Care, “T o would All of ofothe the Wonderful People at Azura Memory Care, “T We like tothe thank each andat every one of youCare, for taking care of our Mom o All of the Wonderful People Memory Care, All of Wonderful People atAzura Azura Memory “T o oAll ofofthe Memory Care, Care, All“T theWonderful Wonderful People People at at Azura Azura Memory “T “T with such loving kindness and compassion. We were sotaking blessedcare to have her live in We would like to thank each and every one of you for of our Mom We would like to thank each and every one of you for taking our We like would like to thank each and every one one of you forfor taking care care of ourof Mom We would to thank each and every of you taking care of our Mom Mom such an amazing home!! We appreciate you all to do!” with such loving kindness and compassion. We were so blessed to have have her live in in Wewould would like to thank each and every everything of were you for taking care of Mom We like to thank each and every oneWe you for taking care ofour our Mom with such loving kindness and compassion. so blessed have her live in with with such such loving loving kindness kindness and and compassion. compassion. We We were were so so blessed blessed to to have her her live live in such an amazing home!! We appreciate everything you allblessed do!” such amazing home!! We appreciate everything you all do!” do!”to withan such loving kindness and compassion. We were so with such loving kindness and compassion. were so blessed tohave haveher herlive liveinin such such an an amazing amazing home!! home!! We We appreciate appreciate everything everything you you all all Love, do!” Mickelson Family such an amazing home!! We appreciate everything you all do!” such an amazing home!! We appreciate everything you Love, all do!” Mickelson Family Love, Mickelson Family Family Love, Love, Mickelson Mickelson Family Love, Love,Mickelson MickelsonFamily Family

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Social interaction is essential for seniors. Visits with family and outings with friends will keep your mind sharp and help you stay connected. STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

health checklist to help keep you or a loved one focused on wellness: ANNUAL PHYSICAL Everyone’s health is different. Even if you see specialists for certain conditions, it’s typically recommended to get an annual physical with your primary physician. This is an opportunity for important health screenings that may include tests to evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density and more. It’s also a good time for you to ask any questions and discuss concerns. VACCINATIONS Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. Cold and flu season has arrived, so now is the time to ask your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine if you haven’t already. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY All seniors eligible for Medicare

benefits through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to live and on-demand virtual workouts, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats. SOCIAL CONNECTION Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends. Join community groups. Check out social engagement opportunities through programs that feature working out with a group of peers to build friendships and community. MENTAL HEALTH Although prioritizing mental health is now more widely accepted, it still can be a challenge for older adults to admit they need help. Talk with your doctor about how you feel and mental health concerns you may have. There are many ways to help with a variety of mental health concerns, including mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety, seeing a therapist and medication.

MENTAL ENRICHMENT Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive to help support brain health through mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group. Check out GetSetUp, new for SilverSneakers members in participating health plans. This program provides an online learning platform designed for seniors with a wide range of live video classes – more than 2,000 hours per week on more than 1,800 topics – to support mental enrichment. NUTRITION What you eat fuels your body and mind, so it’s important to pack your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. Then explore recipes you can try to experience new flavors and keep mealtime exciting. If you need help or have strict dietary concerns, consider working with a nutritionist for additional guidance. Doesn’t it feel good to check a few things off your list? For more ideas on how seniors can stay active and connected, visit SilverSneakers.com. (BPT)

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A place to engage

Senior centers offer many benefits for older adults By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

enior centers exist to help aging adults enjoy the company of their peers through healthy and fun activities. The American Association of Retired Persons reports 1 million older adults take part in services offered by senior centers at nearly 11,000 such facilities nationwide. Today’s senior centers offer an array of services, according to the AARP, which notes they provide nutrition and wellness programs to social and recreational activities. The Burlington Senior Activity Center, 587 State St., Burlington, is one of many facilities in the area offering such services. Patricia Rosenberg, executive director, said the Senior Center serves people 50 and older with members coming from Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties. The Senior Center, Rosenberg said, assists 500 to 600 seniors monthly through services such as Meals on Wheels, Weight Watchers, music and other activities. While the center offers traditional

JASON ARNDT Living Senior

activities, such as bingo and card games, Rosenberg said the facility has many more options for seniors looking to stay active. “Seniors aren’t playing bingo as much anymore, they are working on computers. They are going to yoga class. Tai Chi classes,” said Rosenberg, whose facility has weekly exercises classes in those disciplines. Unlike a gym or fitness center, the Senior Center is oftentimes more accessible and accommodating for seniors

looking for a safe environment. The center also offers Wii Bowling, a Memory Café, exercises for people with Parkinson’s disease, Weight Watchers, Flex and Strength activities and even a jam band. On select dates, the Senior Center facilitates access to group tours and trips for the seniors. As seniors find activities they enjoy, Rosenberg reports one of the main objectives of a senior center is to create a comfortable place for the older population to gather. “They look forward to being here. We are the only place they go,” she said. “I am just so happy when they come in knowing they are not alone.” Other objectives include developing meaningful and group relationships, keeping abreast of changes in the community and world, learning new skills for personal enrichment, sharing talents and abilities with others, encouraging self-esteem and happiness as well promoting the value of seniors in the community. STAYING ENGAGED

top: Ronald Pfeiffer, a Lake Geneva-based Tai Chi instructor, leads a recent Tai Chi class at the Burlington Senior Activity Center. above: The center hosts an annual appreciation dinner honoring volunteers shortly before Christmas. The dinner comes courtesy of several community supporters and business contributions. SUBMITTED PHOTO Living Senior

The Burlington Senior Center, which earned incorporation as a nonprofit in 1998, eventually moved from the former Racine County Service building into the State Street facility once used by the Knights of • CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

LIVING SENIOR • SPRING 2022

SENIOR CENTERS

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Columbus about five years ago. Volunteer John Maltby, who serves on the board of directors, joined the Senior Center shortly after the transition into the new building. Maltby, a former carpenter, retired from the trade in 1991 after he underwent a heart transplant. At the Senior Center, he found a purpose using his carpentry skills to help with ongoing maintenance needs while greeting people who walk through the door. Staying busy, he said, keeps him healthy and active. “It is comfortable here, it’s not like people are out of their element,” he said. “We try to make this as comfortable as possible.” “Our purpose is to keep people active and engage them with each other,” Maltby added. Maltby said senior centers are critical to helping the older population discover a new community after they retire. “I know more guys that have retired and dropped dead in six months because they let themselves go,” Maltby said. “You have to get up

in the morning and have something to accomplish. You can’t just sit at home and watch the same thing on TV everyday.” Additionally, Rosenberg said the Senior Center’s pro-social environment “keeps dementia at bay” since members are around others and not alone. In a report issued by the National Council on Aging, research shows that older adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic disease, while experiencing measurable improvements in their well-being. “Moving their bodies and their minds will keep them young,” Rosenberg said. According to the Council on Agine, 75% of participants visit senior centers one to three times a week and spend an average of 3.3 hours per visit. BUILDING A COMMUNITY

Rosenberg said the Senior Center isn’t just a place where people engage in activities, it is also a place for people seeking support and needed resources.

For older Americans, many live alone, which reinforces the Senior Center’s role in being a supportive community. “If they are alone and getting very sick, there is no one there to find out that they are getting sick,” said Rosenberg, who often keeps an eye on members and offers support if they are showing a decline in health. Senior centers, both locally and nationally, could see an increased demand because of an aging population. The baby boomer population accounts for more than 66% of the over-50 population, according to the NCOA. About 45 million Americans are older than 65, however, that figure will likely reach 73 million by 2030. Rosenberg added the Senior Center continues to develop new programs and opportunities for the generation of older adults. “In the year 2035, I believe there is going to be more seniors, people 65 and older, than 18 and younger,” Rosenberg said. For more information, visit burlingtonseniorcenter.com.

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Budgeting for long vacations abroad Seniors typically have more time to travel than other groups. That freedom entices many to travel overseas, often for extended periods of time. The cost comparison site CostAide indicates that the average two-week vacation for two to Amsterdam can run around $5,000 to $6,000. Lengthen that trip to a month, and a vacation of one’s dreams can set a couple back $12,000. Change the destination and costs could get even higher. The last thing any traveler wants is to run out of money during a dream vacation. This makes figuring out costs and budgeting for such trips essential. Seniors planning the trip of a lifetime can consider these tips to budget effectively and maximize their vacation dollars.

•Air travel

Transportation abroad undoubtedly will be one of the largest expenses travelers incur. Check prices from multiple airports in your area for the best rates, even if it means having to drive a bit further. If you have only one local airport,

book a separate flight to a travel hub, such as Atlanta or New York, so you can comparison shop more affordable flights to your final destination. Plan a year or two out for the trip and shop around for travel rewards credit cards that provide reward earnings in the way of airline miles; start accumulating them with everyday purchases. If you use airline rewards wisely, you won’t need to budget for the flight and may enjoy extra perks like priority boarding or free baggage check.

•Calculate pre-trip prices

Start shopping destinations to see which locales align with your budget. Compare and contrast estimates as to how much each destination may cost on a daily basis. Prices can vary widely depending on the destination, and this is a great way to some pre-trip notion of what your dream trip will cost.

•Look into lodging

There is a lot of wiggle room when it comes to lodging and price points. You can stay in five-star hotels and pay a premium

or consider hostels if bells and whistles aren’t your priority. Keep in mind that a longer stay could come with a discount. Airbnb, for example, lets hosts list weekly or monthly prices, with monthly discounts running 40 to 60 percent less than daily rates.

•Food

Food is a priority when traveling. If you can stay in accommodations with a kitchenette, you can reduce dining costs and make meals as desired. Food plans are another consideration. Book destinations that offer an allinclusive or a meal plan option. It may not be the cheapest alternative, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing food costs already are covered. (METRO CREATIVE)

Budgeting for a long trip means understanding average costs, deciding on priorities and utilizing discounts at one’s disposal. STOCK PHOTO Living Senior

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Your Guides to Good Health Looking for better health this year? Our primary care providers, Dr. Tejesh Patel and Betsy Press, NP, specialize in Family Practice. They take time to become familiar with your medical history and get to know you personally, where medical decisions are based on all the facts and not just the current problem. If you are in need of other personalized health care services, we offer: • State-of-the-art laboratory testing • X-ray services • EKG • Minor surgery Discover how the Clinton Clinic can become a healthy part of your life.

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LIVING SENIOR • SPRING 2022

The intersection between

Increased social isolation was a calling card of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for seniors, often leading to loneliness.

loneliness and social isolation SUBMITTED PHOTO Living Senior

These past couple of years have been challenging in lots of ways and many people, particularly older adults, have felt the weight and impact of loneliness and social isolation. This has been especially true when staying home and sheltering in place has been recommended to increase safety. With less contact with others, it may be difficult for older adults to maintain the relationships that are so important to mental, as well as physical, well-being. In fact, loneliness has been found to lead to health risks, such as: • Depression, • Poor sleep, • Anxiety, • Hypertension, • Cognitive decline, and • Heart disease and stroke. In addition, social isolation may lead to: • Increased risk of dementia

• Cardiovascular disease, • Inflammation, and • Reduced quality of life. It becomes incredibly important to understand these effects and impacts of loneliness and social isolation. You might think the two concepts are very similar, if not identical, but they have important distinctions. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone and social isolation is the lack of social contacts. A person can feel alone, even if they have a wide social circle and, on the flip side, it’s possible for someone to not have many social connections yet not feel alone. A state of loneliness or social isolation can have a major effect on one’s sense of wellness and overall health. But what is the impact when both are present? Researchers from UnitedHealthcare and OptumLabs, in conjunction with AARP Services Inc., conducted and

published a study in 2021 to discover how the combination affected late-life health outcomes. With a random sampling of AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan from UnitedHealthcare members, researchers, including Dr. Timothy Barnes, Ph.D., senior outcomes researcher with OptumLabs, collected survey data measuring groups who were lonely only, socially isolated only, both lonely and socially isolated or neither. Those who were both lonely and socially isolated were more likely to be older, with a lower quality of life and greater medical needs and costs. They also had significantly higher rates of ER and inpatient admissions. “These two constructs have been looked at separately. Moving forward you should make the connection to look at them • CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

LIVING SENIOR • SPRING 2022

LONELINESS

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

together,” Barnes said. Keeping interventions in mind for both conditions could have a big impact on seniors’ overall health. For social isolation it might be things like volunteerism, physical activity and engaging in a community, while for loneliness it might make sense to focus on personal strengths such as defining one’s purpose and building social awareness skills. AARP and the Global Council on Brain Health recently published a guide, “Boosters for Joy: A Guide on Ways to Connect,” that offers a wide range of helpful resources for boosting social connections. “The pandemic has brought issues of loneliness and social isolation to the fore and should spark a national conversation,” said Dr. Erica Schwartz, M.D., president of Insurance Solutions at UnitedHealthcare. “The need to feel connected and to be connected is even more critical as we face continued disruption and disconnectedness in our daily lives. Research is needed to help further understand the impact of loneliness and social isolation on health and to find strategies to improve resilience.” For Barnes, it was clear that staying connected to each other is not just a nice-to-have but an urgent priority key to higher quality of life for older adults. “With social isolation versus loneliness, there are things that you can quantify versus things that you feel,” he said. “Resilience, having a feeling of purpose in life, and optimism are also important.” To learn more about the study from UnitedHealthcare, OptumLabs and AARP Services Inc., visit https://www. tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2021.1940096. For more information on how to help get connected if you’re feeling socially isolated, visit connect2affect.org. (BPT)

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RSVP AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Racine County has volunteer drivers opportunities for two of our senior support programs:

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CONTACT MICHAEL O’BRIEN RSVP Project Director for more information

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If you or someone you love is dealing with a serious illness, it’s important to know all of your options early - when it’s a choice, not a necessity.

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Nothing matters more at the end of life than having the time to say the things that need to be said, and do the things that need to be done.

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Step by step: Tips for preventing falls Few things are more important to older adults than their independence – being able to do what they’d like when they’d like. But independence can be fleeting. Something unexpected, like a fall, can change everything. Three million older people are treated in emergency rooms each year because of injuries caused by falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This includes broken bones and head injuries that can rob individuals of their freedom. Even having a fear of falling can restrict individuals from enjoying their life to the fullest. Thankfully, many falls can be prevented with a little forethought and advance planning, according to Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer for Medicare, with Cigna, one of the nation’s largest insurers, which serves hundreds of thousands of older adults through its Medicare plans. Sobel recommends older adults take the following precautions to prevent falls and increase their peace of mind.

Get an annual eye exam More than 12 million Americans aged 40 years and older experience vision

impairment, putting them at greater risk of falling. It’s important for them to get an annual eye exam and make sure that they wear their glasses as instructed. Many Medicare Advantage plans, such as those offered through Cigna, provide some vision coverage at no extra cost.

Review medications People tend to take more medications as they age. Some of these medications, or a combination of medications, can cause dizziness or confusion, resulting in falls. Seniors should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about the medicines they are taking, including over-the-counter medications, regarding any interactions or unwanted side effects.

Do strength and balance exercises Regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves balance and flexibility, helping reduce the chance of falls. Many MA plans include a fitness benefit at no extra cost. The benefit may include kits, bands and videos that can be used at home to help limit exposure to COVID-19, while achieving the benefits of exercise. Patients should always talk to their doctor about

what exercises are right for them.

Limit alcohol consumption Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person’s balance and reflexes, leading to a fall. According to the National Institute on Aging, alcohol is a factor in 60% of falls in older Americans. For those individuals who may need it, Medicare covers alcohol abuse screening, counseling and treatment. Please be sure to discuss these types of issues with your doctor.

Ensure a safe home Seniors can benefit from having grab bars installed inside and outside the bathtub tub or shower and next to the toilet, as well as having railings installed on both sides of stairs. Also, potential tripping hazards, such as floor mats, area rugs or extension cords, should be removed or taped down. The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care. (STATEPOINT)

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Last call

Owner sells Burlington tavern after nearly 40 years By Mike Ramczyk CORRESPONDENT

An outsider with a dream came to town, and the Burlington community made him one of its own. Ladies and gentlemen, the “John” behind popular downtown Burlington bar John’s Main Event, John Puntillo, opened his place known for its food, big outdoor beer garden and friendly service back in 1984, and he’s enjoyed the ride ever since. Now, at age 72 and with trustworthy, talented successors ready to carry on the legacy, it’s closing time. Puntillo has officially John Puntillo stands outside the tavern he operated in Burlington for nearly 40 years. Puntillo, 72, recently sold the business and plans to retire. MIKE RAMCZYK Living Senior

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sold John’s Main Event to Burlington brothers Ryan and Joe Benkendorf, both of whom have worked for Puntillo for years. With three adult children in their 20s, Puntillo is ready to do a lot of traveling and just sit back, relax and take it easy. Originally from northwest Indiana and the metropolitan Chicago area, Puntillo was out in Seattle in 1983 working for a beer distributor when his brother Chuck told him about coming to Burlington and being closer to family. John’s dad, Ascanio, owned restaurants so John grew up in the business and did plenty of bartending. “It wasn’t a good year,” John said recently at a high top table inside John’s Main Event. “I got laid off at the end of ‘82, start of ‘83, so I was bound and determined to just buy a job. I was going to open a beverage store in the Seattle area, and my brother gets a hold of me telling me ‘I got two kids that don’t even know you, why don’t you come back to the Midwest and buy a bar? You always liked tending bar for dad.’ My dad’s restaurants were in northwest Indiana, where I grew up. “My dad suggested doing a one-man band with a grill behind the bar, so that’s what I did, and it worked out very well.” Ryan Benkendorf, 38, and Joe Benkendorf, 40, have both worked for Puntillo for years, and both have operated bars for years. Ryan owned Benders bar just a block away from John’s in Burlington, and it is now Lucky Mojo’s. Joe co-owned his uncle’s bar with his uncle in Madison. Ryan had been asking about buying the bar for years, according to Puntillo. Both bring more than two decades of bar experience, and they are going to keep the name, John’s Main Event, which Puntillo decided on by pulling the name out of a hat. He wanted a sports bar theme. On a recent morning, while Puntillo sat down with a Southern Lakes Newspapers reporter, Joe and Ryan were hustling around to get ready for the lunch crowd. Puntillo speaks highly of the brothers. Joe got the job right out of high school thanks in part to Catholic Central classmate Peter Gabriel, who started working there at age 18. “I’m selling because I want to retire,” John joked. “Ryan had been talking to me for years about buying this. I told him I had to get all my kids out of high school. I kept working, and he kept on me, and so finally, I was ready to go. Ryan always wanted this. In October, I said he could buy it, and I was ready to retire. “Ryan has always been there. And Joe worked for me before Ryan did. Joe had run a bar with his uncle. I’ve taught Ryan a lot, and he’s done everything here.” Puntillo feels supremely confident

about the brothers, and he believes they’re the perfect fit. “They’re both local boys and they have a lot of friends,” John said. “They know the business. They’ve worked for me. Ryan knows everything I’ve been doing. Peter (Gabriel) brought Joe in, and Joe brought Ryan in. They started out tending bar and learned the business.”

• COVID was actually a positive

Believe it or not, even though the doors closed to the public, John’s Main Event benefited during the COVID-19 shutdown in spring 2020. Manager Amanda Depatis came up with the idea to do carryout orders when many businesses weren’t doing it yet, and food sales were able to stay afloat. “COVID actually helped my food business,” Puntillo said. “Amanda said she and Crystal would do carryout. It’s all we could do. So we took a shot at it. There were only so many places doing carryout food, so people ordered from me that had never eaten here. And they found out the food is good. It was amazing.” John’s touts “basket food,” Puntillo said, and keeping it simple was key to success. The bar has become known for great burgers and chicken sandwiches, and Puntillo said Ryan and Joe are great cooks. Joe’s specialty is a Reuben sandwich. So John’s Main Event only shut down completely for one week during the pandemic, then carryout took off. Puntillo said employees were receiving unemployment, and the bar survived. When they reopened, it was busier than ever, and Puntillo stopped tending bar to stay safe and stay out of the bar. Luckily, Puntillo never got COVID. Business took a serious hit during the pandemic, but Puntillo said sales have recovered.

• He knows your name

Puntillo said the reason John’s Main Event stayed in business for nearly 40 years is friendly customer service. He’s always had a gift of knowing every customer’s name, and people feel welcome. Also, Puntillo made a smart business decision by opening the beer garden in 2001. It’s a spacious area behind the bar along the alley that features an extra bar, plenty of tables and beautiful ivy leaves covering the walls. “It’s the best thing I ever did,” John said. “I could park three cars back there. It made the building twice the size in the summertime. People would always ask me, ‘What’s your busiest day?’ They thought it was Thanksgiving, and I would say just some random day in the summer. Both ends are just full.”

When the weather is nice, the inside is full with people at about five restaurant tables and the bar, with four TVs mostly showing sports. There’s a pool table and darts. Outside, there’s a TV at the bar, and more tables for people to drink, eat and mingle. “People love sitting outside,” John said. “It’s not a real great view or anything, but the ivy really makes it look pretty.” So what separates John’s Main Event from everything else? “You’ve got to treat people right, and I worked it. I wasn’t an absentee owner, I was here, and people knew that,” John said. “I guess some of them liked me. Remembering names is important. I learned in the beer business that you go into a store and see a manager and try to sell beer, you call them by name and ask them how they’re doing.” “It always helps to call people by their name.” Puntillo said they sell a lot of food and soda at lunchtime. “People don’t drink (alcohol) at lunch time anymore, that’s a thing of the past,” he added. With several bars in a three-block radius in downtown Burlington, John’s, the Brickyard and Fred’s have long been staples.

• Appreciating the community

For John, it was never about competition. “If anybody ever got in a fight in here, I barred them,” he said. “That way, people understand the ground rules. We stayed clean. The people of Burlington move from bar to bar, and you see the same people in every bar. Everybody comes to downtown to drink. The more, the merrier. “Just have a good product and treat people right, and they’ll come back.” It’s been a fun ride for parts of five decades. Puntillo is humble and forever grateful for the community for bringing him in and treating him well. “I’ve just appreciated the community because they supported me,” John said. “Not being a local, I appreciate how they took me in, and I was able to make a living for me and my family. “That’s all you can ever ask for. Treat people how you want to be treated. I hope the business continues, and even gets better for Ryan and his brother. “I want to start doing a little traveling. I’m going over to Madrid, Spain, because my youngest Leo is doing a semester there. I just want to thank the community for supporting me, and I’m glad I can still walk and talk and enjoy the last years of my life.” It’s the last call for John. It’s closing time.

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