centralmature12-13-12

A Special Section Highlighting Senior LifestylesThis monthʼs focus: Celebrating Life

Area men featured intop-selling bookBY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Twin Cities author and visionarygerontologist Lori Campbell intendsher Amazon No. 1 best-selling book,Awaken Your AgePotential:Exploring Chosen Paths of Thrivers(Beaver’s Pond Press, October 2012),to start a philosophical revolution.Her mission is to create a new visionof aging, one where people expect tolive healthy, purposeful lives frombeginning to end—and act on thatbelief.

“I envision thriving becoming thenew norm in aging. I believe theAgePotential movement will be a cat-alyst for that change,” said Campbell.

Awaken Your AgePotential chal-lenges the notion that a person’s lateryears must involve the “dreaded Ds,”which are disease, decline, depres-sion, denial, dependence, disabilityand despair. Through the compellingstories of ten “thrivers” ages fiftyyears and older, Campbell shows theAgePotential philosophy in action:ordinary people creating extraordi-nary aging experiences.

“Getting to know the thrivers inthis book have forever changed theway I think and live,” said Campbell.“It piqued my curiosity to knowmore.”

Campbell profiles Sal Valdovinos,87, of Richfield in her chapter on self-efficacy, which is a person’s belief intheir ability to succeed in a particu-

lar situation. Valdovinos emigrated to the

United States from Mexico at fiveyears old. Although he enjoyed learn-ing, he struggled in school. Teachersencouraged him to pursue tradeschool, which he did instead of grad-

uating high school. At eighteen, heentered the Army and fought inWorld War II. Upon return, he usedthe GI Bill to go to college, but failedhis first year. Instead of giving up, hewent to night school to learn basicgrammar and writing skills, all while

working full time as a welder. Heended up graduating with a bache-lor’s degree in sociology, receiving ascholarship for graduate school. Hewent on to earn a master’s degree in

BOOK: TO PAGE 3

Awaken Your AgePotential

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psychology from the University ofIndiana. Now Valdovinos has his ownpractice, Life Management Institute,teaching people how to create, man-age and live their best lives.

“As long as you know you canchoose your thoughts, you can createanything,” said Valdovinos. “No mat-ter what happens, you can use yourimagination to put a spin on it. Yourgifts from God, creativity and experi-ence, will serve you.”

In her chapter on gratitude,Campbell interviews Bloomingtonresident Fran Heitzman, the 87-year-old founder of Bridging, the largestfurniture bank in North America.Since 1987, Bridging has served morethan 60,000 households, and it allbegan with one generous actHeitzman witnessed at seven yearsold.

It was Christmas Eve during theGreat Depression. A knock at the backdoor revealed “Grandma” Bradbury, aHennepin County worker, holding aChristmas tree in one hand and a sackof oranges in the other. He says in thebook, “That Christmas tree and bag of

oranges laid the groundwork for theproject I launched when I was 61 yearsold.”

“Aging is a very unique, individual-istic experience, but there are com-mon threads. Fran and Sal both exhib-it those four qualities I write about inmy book,” saidCampbell. “Theytake responsibilityfor their healthand aging journey;they don’t buy intothe ageist think-ing; they demon-strate a mindful,p r o a c t i v eapproach to theirhealth and agingjourney; and theycreate and live apassion-centeredlife.”

H e i t z m a nbelieves the key tothriving is to focuson staying busy and helping others.

“My doctor recently told me thatthe reason I’m still here is that I’mactive. My body is not shutting down.I have a purpose to get up in the morn-ing. We live a longer and happier lifeif we help one another. The satisfac-tion you get from helping someone

else is monumental,” said Heitzman.“Give old clothes to someone. Just dosomething. If you take one can of foodto the food shelf, you’ve done some-thing.”

Valdovinos encourages people to bethe creative force in their own life.

“Life is neutral.It’s what you makeof it,” saidValdovinos. “Don’tgo to the gravewondering whatyou could havedone. Leave a lega-cy and a contribu-tion.”

Awaken YourAgePotential isavailable throughAmazon.com andBarnesNoble.comand can be orderedthrough book-stores. You mayalso order it at

www.agepotential.com to receive spe-cial offers and gifts.

For more information on Bridging,a nonprofit organization serving thegreater Twin Cities, or to get involved,visit www.bridging.org or call (952)888-1105.

BookFROM PAGE 1

‘Life is neutral. It’swhat you make of it. ...Don’t go to the gravewondering what you

could have done.Leave a legacy and a

contribution.’–SAL VALDOVINOS,

RICHFIELD RESIDENT

Lori Campbell is a gerontologist and best-selling author. Her book, Awaken YourAgePotential: Exploring Chosen Paths ofThrivers became an Amazon No. 1 best sellerand features profiles of Twin Cities seniors.

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BY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Minnesota could be called theLand of 10,000 Choruses. DavidHalligan, choir director for thePlymouth Senior Center’s seniorchoir, believes this is a more accurateslogan for the most robust musiccommunity he’s ever encountered.

“The huge number of singinggroups is amazing. Music in the stateof Minnesota is better than any stateI’ve lived in,” he said. “It’s keen, well-done, and a wonderful place to live ifyou’re looking for fine arts and per-forming with a group.”

Opportunities abound for localseniors who love to sing, thanks tosenior center volunteer choirs like

Halligan’s Plymouth Rockers, andthe partnership of local organiza-tions like Senior CommunityServices (SCS).

SCS works with six senior centerswith volunteer choirs: GillespieCenter in Mound; MinnetonkaSenior Center; Plymouth CreekCenter; Monticello Senior Center;Delano Senior Center and CrowRiver Senior Center in St. Michael.

Steve Pieh, senior services andactivities manager of theMinnetonka Senior Center, believesthat it is the job of local senior cen-ters to present a wide range of offer-ings to its members.

“Some enjoy exercise or history.Others enjoy artistic things like cre-ating music,” said Peih. “The oppor-tunity to make music and perform inthe community is a wonderful thing.It brings joy to the participants andthose they sing to.”

The Minnetonka Senior Chorale,in its 32nd season and part of theMusic Association of Minnetonka(MAM), practices in the MinnetonkaSenior Center on Wednesday morn-ings from 10:30 to noon, Septemberthrough May. The group is non-audi-tioned, which means there are no try-outs. Anyone 55 or older is invited toparticipate.

Volunteer choirs like theMinnetonka Senior Chorale andPlymouth Rockers sing in the com-munity, primarily to other seniors innursing homes, veteran’s homes, andretirement communities.

“The Rockers perform regularlyfor assisted living facilities whichhouses folks with limited mobilityand do not get out very often. Webring the music to them,” saidHalligan. “We set the mood of theprogram to the audience. We includethem on the singing parts, and theylight up. They enjoying singing andclapping. No matter what the situa-tion, we’ll get a twinkle, a movementfrom them.”

Halligan sees daily what the choirmeans to those who sing.

“Most are retired folks over 65

who want to reconnect with whatthey did in high school and college,”he said. “They got busy with familiesand careers, and gave up music. Nowthey’re coming back to it.”

Halligan says there’s room foreveryone, even the ones who aremusically challenged. “I kind ofidentify those people and work hard-er with them one on one. I wanteveryone to feel like a contributingpart of the group.”

The Plymouth Rockers rehearseevery Monday from 9 – 11:30 at thePlymouth Creek Community Center,August through June. There are noauditions necessary. A wide varietyof music is performed from popularsongs to spiritual songs.

“These volunteer choirs bring somuch joy to the people they sing toand they receive many joys andrewards in return. They are a won-derful gift to the community,” saidSue Gallus, program director forSCS. “There’s a country song out byEric Church and one of the lines is,‘funny how a melody sounds like amemory.’ I think this says it all.”

On October 16, 2012 SCS workedwith several senior centers to hostapproximately 130 people from sever-al area senior programs. They spentthe day singing, attending workshopson vocal subjects.

“Sue came to us and said they’dlike to do something for the singinggroups. We worked to put a workshoptogether that talked about managingthe group, getting the audienceinvolved, improving your singing,getting energy. I think they (thesingers) enjoyed the focus on themusic side of community services,”said Halligan.

For more information aboutSenior Community Services, go towww.seniorcommunity.org or call(952) 541-1019. For more informationand a list of upcoming performanc-es for MAM, go to www.musicassoci-ation.org or call 952-401-5954; for thePlymouth Rockers, go to www.ply-mouthrockers.org or call 952-688-7244


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Performing art in Burnsville’s PACBY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When the Burnsville Performing ArtsCenter (BPAC) opened its doors inJanuary of 2009, becoming the Heart ofthe City’s crown jewel, it provided manyseniors the perfect opportunity to bothhelp the community and surround them-selves with music.

One of the facility’s first volunteerswas Judy Tschumper, a retired City ofBurnsville employee who helped to cre-ate the Heart of the City on NicolletAvenue.

“I love Burnsville. I was excited whenthe PAC was built. I love that place. I loveto volunteer there and I love to go as anattendee. It’s such a wonderful assetsouth of the river,” said Tschumper.

She arrives before the performance,puts on her black and gold usher vest,picks up a flashlight and ticket scanner,and takes her place by one of the concerthall entrances.

“I help people get to the proper door. Iscan their tickets as they go in and directthem to their seats,” said Tschumper.“We are greeters to make them feel com-fortable.”

The best part to Tschumper is watch-ing people’s faces when they come to theBPAC for the first time and see the all-glass lobby, with its sweeping view ofNicollet Commons Park, the MinnesotaRiver Valley, and the Minneapolis sky-line.

“They come from all walks of life andfrom all over the state. Some have neverbeen here before. They are in awe ofwhat the theater looks like,” she said.

When Tschumper is not volunteering,she loves to come to the BPAC as a guest.

“I’ve seen a whole variety of differentthings there,” she said. “I’m a seasonticket holder for the Dakota ValleySymphony Series. Just a week ago, I sawthe Minnesota Youth Symphonies per-form.”

Tschumper has always loved music.She sang in high school and was part ofthe concert and pep bands. She stillenjoys singing with her church and theDakota Valley Chorus.

“I sang, but nothing that would go toBroadway,” she said.

Fellow BPAC volunteer FredSteaderman began donating his timealmost as soon as he moved into the

neighborhood. After retiring 10 years ago, he moved

from his home in South Minneapolis toBoca Raton, Forida. He missed beingclose to family and decided to move toBurnsville to be near his son.

“I didn’t know much about what washappening in Burnsville. When I cameback looking for an apartment, I discov-ered the Heart of the City. This is themost urban area I’ve ever lived in. I canwalk to restaurants, the barbershop, thetheater. There’s always something goingon,” he said.

Like Tschumper, Steaderman’s love ofmusic began early in life. “I performed ingrade school and high school, and on andoff since then,” he said.

As an adult, he began doing morebackstage directing and managing, roleshe enjoyed more than being on stage.During his time in Boca Raton, heworked as house manager for a theater.

With the BPAC within walking dis-tance from his new apartment, theopportunity seemed custom made. Heworks as an usher and on the event staffduring dance competition season.

“You are really able to make your own

choices about when and where you work,opposed to having to show up everydayand do what others want you to do,” saidSteaderman. “That flexibility is reallynice. I am able to select shows I want towork. If I don’t want to work, I don’t signup.”

“The staff at the BurnsvillePerforming Arts Center is so grateful toour usher volunteers. They trulystrengthen our mission and encompassthe passion of the community for thearts,” said Kandice Nelson, marketingdirector for BPAC.

The Burnsville Performing ArtsCenter is located at 12600 Nicollet Ave inthe Heart of the City. The center has twotheatres, a 1014 seat Proscenium Stageand an intimate 150 seat Black Box.Presentations at the Burnsville PACinclude cultural events, dramas, come-dies, dance, and musical acts from localarts organizations and national touringartists. Join the mailing list atwww.burnsvillepac.com for event notifi-cations and special VIP offers. Anyoneinterested in becoming a volunteer maye-mail [email protected] or call952-895-4685.

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Barb Johnson spent a quarter century ofher life devoted to mission work inAfrica as a nurse. After several moreyears committed to world missionendeavors, including four years in China,she finally came home to Minnesota.What she discovered is the importance ofmaking the right decision about a retire-ment community and that family is thebond that truly matters.

BY EMILY HEDGES CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Barb Johnson has loved every placeshe has ever lived. From Chicago toCongo to China, the missionary nurseand teacher felt at home amongfriends. But of all the places she’scalled home, Covenant Village ofGolden Valley is close to the top.

Johnson wanted to be a missionaryfrom the time she was young. Afternurse training in California, she livedin Cameroon and then Congo, whereshe spent 25 years as a nurse. She cameback to the United States in 1987 andserved as the Africa director in WorldMission Department of theEvangelical Covenant Church for 14years in Chicago. In that position, shetraveled to Africa and other countriesthroughout the world.

She retired from the position in 2001and decided to put her French lan-guage skills learned in Congo to workin West Africa where she stayed for ayear as a bi-lingual secretary in themission office.

Once again, she returned home toChicago, but still had one more inter-national adventure left in her.

“China was the cherry on top of thefrosting on top of the cake as far as Iwas concerned,” said Johnson.

Johnson taught classes in a smallEnglish-immersion school in China forfour years, a time in her life sheremembers fondly.

“It was because of the people. Theyloved us, especially the young people. Iloved the food, culture, everything,”she recalled. “We had meals together,parties, games. We loved them.”

She believes it was working with theyoung people in China that helped tokeep her young. But when it was timeto return to Chicago, she began tothink about when and where her nextmove should be.

She was trying to decide between aretirement community in SouthernCalifornia and the Twin Cities, nearher brother and his family.

“One day someone said to me,‘People are more important thanweather,’” she recalled. “That helpedme decide where. Next was to decidewhen. I had said ‘in five years.’ Then itwas ‘in two years.’”

Johnson said they she prayed thatGod would show her when it was timeto go.

AFRICA: TO PAGE 8


Barb Johnson believes moving into Covenant Village of Golden Valley was one of the best decisions she ever made. Photo provided by Johnson.

“On Barb Johnson’s retirement community decisionI am blessed to be here. It was the right decision. I have a

number of friends my age and I tell them they need to thinkabout this. I have never talked to anyone that has ever said, ‘Wemoved too soon.’

New Village welcomes Johnson home

“I didn’t want to go early. I wasenjoying my house, but I didn’t wantto wait too long. I didn’t want otherpeople making the decision for me. Iwanted to be able to pack my ownthings,” she said.

She filled out a questionnaire fromCovenant Village of Golden Valley.After returning it, she received a callfrom the staff.

“We had a good conversation.When I hung up the phone I knew itwas time to go.”

She took it as a sign she had madethe right decision when her home inChicago sold in only a week to a mis-sionary family.

“I am blessed to be here. It was theright decision. I have a number offriends my age and I tell them theyneed to think about this. I have nevertalked to anyone that has ever said,‘We moved too soon,’” said Johnson.

“Seniors choose to move toCovenant Village of Golden Valleyresidential living because of the safe-ty and security they feel here. Theymake the decision early, while theyare able to, so their children don’thave to make the decision for themduring a health crisis,” said CraigMcDaniels, director of sales and mar-keting for Covenant Village. “The fel-lowship between the residents andstaff is rare. Covenant Village is opento all denominations of faith and is acommunity where everyone feels wel-come.”

Johnson volunteers in the libraryat Covenant Village, which is con-nected to the Hennepin CountyLibrary System. She attends FirstCovenant Church in Minneapolis, amulti-ethnic urban church that sheloves.

Her advice to other seniors: “Keepactive and involved in things. Don’tsit around your house. Get out andmeet people. Keep fit,” she said.

Covenant Village of Golden Valleyis located at 5800 St. Croix Avenue inGolden Valley. For more information,go to www.covenantvillageofgolden-valley.com or call 763-546-6125.

AFRICA: FROM PAGE 7


Heritage of Edinais proud to present its 5-star senior/assisted living community.

TiffanyRembrandt “Serving Seniors Since 1961”

ManorRoybet

Heritage of Edina, Inc.To make reservations for a tour and complimentary lunch call 952-920-9145

Dear Maria & Staff:Thank you, for making my father’s stay, both at Rembrandt and Tiffany, a good place

for him to be. He felt it was home, and always wanted to go back.He liked it when Maria took the time to say hello, and the high teas for birthdays. He

enjoyed the gifts she gave, especially the glass fish. I have them, where everyone canenjoy them.Vicki and Shirley, plus all the others at Rembrandt were great to him. Vicki knew when

he needed a stronger touch, and used it. Thanks. She did not abuse him, just talked tohim in a way he knew she was the boss.Sandy, LaVonne, and Marketing were great, when we had problems, when I first took

over as Power of Attorney. They were always there, to answer questions or concerns.He was 6 months from 100 years old, and went downhill fast. But you all knew how

to handle him, when demetia got worse, and he wouldn’t like to follow directions, oreat.Thanks again. We still have my Aunt Jessie Warner in Roybet, and her sister Irene

Medvic. So I may come to see them once in awhile. So youmay still see me around. Know you will say hello.

Take Care,Fiona Friedrickdaughter of Robert Moore

Heritage of Edina isPROUD to honor the life of

Robert Moore4/17/1913 – 10/5/2012

The Heritage CreedWe believe:

That our Residents are the reason for our existence.That tender loving care today means better

health and happiness tomorrow.That our guiding principle is REVERENCE FOR LIFE.

That by service to our fellow man we will justify the confidence placed in us.

February 1965Wayne Field

READERS’READERS’CHOICECHOICE

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www.MinnLocal.com

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★★★★★


BY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Aren’t you ringing kind of earlythis year?” This is the questionSalvation Army bell ringer EdNelson, 69, gets most often during the20-plus hours he spends each holidayseason standing in the cold, collect-ing money for neighbors in need.

“The need is there,” responds theMounds View resident, which usual-ly draws a dollar or two. “Thank youand Merry Christmas,” he says.

Nelson first heard about TheSalvation Army in 1948.

“Way back, my folks never hadmuch money. At Christmas time oneyear, I heard knocking at our kitchendoor. No one ever came to the frontdoor,” remembered Nelson. “It wasthe Salvation Army with a basket offruit, other food and a new pair ofbrown shoes for me.”

The experience made an impres-sion on the five-year-old. He neverforgot the joy he felt that Christmas,and it was then that he began tounderstand the gift inherent in giv-ing.

“As a kid, I heard in SundaySchool that it’s much better to givethan receive, and it sure is,” saidNelson.

The Lions Club of White BearLake got him into bell ringing. In2004, members were encouraged tovolunteer with the program. Whenhe retired from Northwest Airlines afew years later, he was able toincrease his number of hours ring-ing.

When volunteers arrive for theirshift, a bucket, apron and bell arewaiting for them. Nelson says lots ofLions Clubs will book a block ofshifts over a day or weekend.Although his Lions Club does this, helikes to book his own shifts too. Healso volunteers to sort money from 20to 25 hours a week.

Nelson explained that once thebuckets are filled, they are taken to asecurity company that removes thecoins and sends them through acounting machine. Before the billscan be run through another machine,they must be smoothed out. That’swhere volunteers like Nelson comein.

“People got to wrinkle them up.We straighten them,” said Nelson. Hesays the job gets tricky on those rare

occasions that it rains instead ofsnows. “If the bills get wet, we haveto lay them out and use a fan to drythem. That slows up the process.”

Nelson rings most of his time atthe Cub Foods located at the cornerof Rice Creek Road and Silver LakeRoad. He says the best thing aboutthe job is the children he encounters.

“Young parents bring kids up,sometimes two or three years old.They put the coins in one at a time,”he said. “What better lesson can par-ents do than show their kids the joyof giving?”

He recalled a couple of years agoone child getting his mother to stopas they were leaving. “He had tocome give me a cupcake. I thoughtthat was very nice.”

The only part Nelson doesn’t carefor is getting dressed for a shift, espe-cially on a typical December day inMinnesota.

“I wear up to six layers of clothes.I can’t move very well when I’ve gotthat many clothes on,” he said. “It’sthinking about cold that gets mecold.”

Nelson never lets the cold weatherstop him from showing up at a shift,or booking an extra shift if theSalvation Army needs him. Heexplained that a number of slots gounfilled each holiday season, whichmeans they are staffed by paid work-ers.

“The Salvation Army works hardto get enough volunteers to fill theshifts but that is particularly diffi-cult during the weekday. Beside theobvious bonus of saving money withvolunteers, there is the added benefitthat volunteers usually pick storesand areas where they know othercustomers and a friendly familiarface is always a plus for fundrais-ing,” said Annette Bauer, public rela-tions director for The SalvationArmy Northern DHQ.

The Salvation Army NorthernDivision has been serving people inneed in Minnesota and North Dakotafor more than 125 years. They pro-vide basic needs assistance, housing,youth services, rehabilitation, disas-ter relief, counseling and more. Formore information about volunteeropportunities with The SalvationArmy, go to www.salvation-armynorth.org or call 651-746-3400.

Ring the bell for those in need

Ed Nelson of Mounds View is a bell ringer for the Salvation Army because he wants to help those in need.


Clueless?Don’t be fooled, baby boomerstech hungry & learning fast

Even though they're still common, jokesabout clueless baby boomers calling theirkids to figure out how to use technology arestarting to feel outdated. While today'syoungest generations are practically bornwith tablets, smartphones and laptops intheir hands, grandparents are also adoptingtechnology at a startling pace.

Boomers' enthusiasm to consume newtechnology is growing and changing as fastas the field of new products available. Infact, a 2012 Forrester Research technologysurvey found 78 percent are online, and ofthose, 54 percent own laptops. Tablet useamong boomers is growing too; 11 percentalready own one and another 15 percentplan on buying one soon.

While the boomers' generational trait ofprogressiveness helps to explain this techrush, more practical reasons demystify it aswell. Many among the generation are at thepeak of their earning power, with moremoney to spend on technology than otherage groups. A 2012 survey by Nielsenshowed that within five years, approximate-ly 50 percent of the U.S. population will be50 or older, and they'll control 70 percent ofdisposable income. For this generation, aforward-thinking mindset has always beena common trait, so crossing the digitaldivide was bound to happen.

Despite their proven purchasing power,many advertisers are leaving these con-sumers in the lurch. Although boomersaccount for 49 percent of total sales of con-sumer packaged goods, Nielsen estimatesthat less than 5 percent of advertising dol-lars are targeted toward adults ages 35 to 64.

Overcoming the learning curve as well asthe lack of attention from marketers hasshown just how much boomers value thelatest technology developments. But forthose who don't yet have their hands on thelatest gadgets, organizations like AARP aremaking it easier for boomers to get connect-ed.

"AARP's goal is to provide value to itsmembers, and our research has shown thatmany AARP members are early adopters oftechnology," says Angela Jones, senior vicepresident of Business Development andLifestyle Products for AARP Services.

For example, members can get discountsof 5 to 12 percent on a range of HP products,10 percent off Amazon's Kindle e-readers,including the popular tablet Kindle Fire,and even discounted phone service fromVonage.

There's no doubt that boomers aredemanding technology that helps toimprove their lives. As they grab each newopportunity to connect, the idea of boomersbeing behind the technological times is fad-ing fast. For more information about dis-counts available to AARP members, visitwww.aarpdiscounts.com.


YOUR VOICE IS STILL BEING HEARD. WE’VE BEEN EXPECTING YOU.

At UCare, we know Boomers. So as you make your move to Medicare, consider the health plan that hits all the right notes.

UCare for SeniorsSM lets you choose from plans that cover prescription drugs, travel, eyewear, dental, fi tness programs like SilverSneakers® and more. There are no co-pays for primary care visits with most plans. And you’ll get to talkto a real person 24/7 when you call customer service. It’s just what you’d expect from health care that starts with you.

Learn more about the benefi ts of UCare for Seniors in our new eGuide to Medicare at ucareplans.org/eguide. Or call (toll free) 1-877-523-1518 (TTY) 1-800-688-2534,8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

UCare Minnesota and UCare Wisconsin, Inc. are health plans with Medicare contracts. ©2012, UCareH2459 H4270_101512 CMS Accepted (10202012)

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