PAINTING PASTIME
Meridian Audiology LLC, a private Audiology practice, was founded by Dr. Alison Wyss, Au.D. and Kira VonBlon, M.S., after working together in an ENT setting for more than 12 years. The seasoned Audiologists strive to consistently provide premier care to patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing disorders as well as those who want to protect their hearing from damage.
In stark contrast to the medical/ENT audiology world where patients are in and out in quick succession, private practice allows Ali and Kira to spend whatever time their patients need from them for their individual hearing healthcare situation.
“The number of patient’s referring their family/friends, along with referrals from area Consierge and Internal Medicine Physicians speaks volumes to us,” VonBlon said. “We have the trust of our patients and many area physicians. They tell their friends and their patients about us, and we cannot buy that kind of loyalty and referral!” She goes on to say, “We’ve also had many of our previous patients find and follow us to Meridian Audiology and that is a testament to our relationships we build with them.”
The Meridian Audiology Audiologists pride themselves on keeping up with and offering the top-of-the-line newest technology in hearing aids, tinnitus and auditory processing disorder.
In March 2026 we are going to start a quarterly class for anyone who wears a hearing aid and their communication partner called “The Listening Lab: Connect & Communicate with your World” where we will discuss hearing aid use and strategies for better communication. You can call us for more information. We are also available to speak to your local community clubs about hearing and hearing loss. Dr. Wyss states “We’ve done many presentations to community clubs in the area and the participants always appreciate our time in giving them information about hearing loss, cognitive decline and tinnitus as well as answering their questions.”
Meridian Audiology accepts most major insurances, offers convenient scheduling via phone, email, or online and are independent of other medical practices or hospitals. Hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Friday by appointment only. They are located at 911 E. 86th Street, Suite 035. Phone 317-731-5386. Email info@meridianaudiology.com Website: meridianaudiology.com
Stay safe and steady this fall
Commentary by David Stordy
Autumn in Indiana is one of the prettiest times of year — cooler weather, colorful leaves and cozy evenings at home. But along with the season comes a hidden risk: falls. For adults 55 and older, a simple trip or slip can lead to serious injury. The good news is that with a few mindful changes, your home can stay safe and comfortable year-round.
Light the way
Shorter days mean darker evenings. Make sure walkways, stairs and entryways are well lit. Nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways can prevent trips during late-night routines. Motion-sensor lights are another simple upgrade that adds safety and convenience.
Tidy up hazards
Loose rugs, electrical cords and cluttered hallways are common tripping hazards. Use nonslip pads under rugs, keep walkways clear and store everyday items where you can easily reach them — avoiding the need to climb on chairs to grab things from high shelves.
Add
extra support
Small home improvements can make a big difference. Install grab bars in the bathroom, add sturdy handrails to both sides of stairs and talk with your doctor
about whether a cane or walker would provide added stability.
Stay strong and active
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. Gentle walking, stretching or chair exercises improve balance and flexibility, reducing fall risk and helping you move with confidence.
Plan for peace of mind
Safety goes beyond falls. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, keep emergency contacts easy to access, and consider technology like automatic stove shut offs or medical alert systems.
Even with precautions, some tasks can feel tiring or risky. That’s where inhome caregivers can help. BrightStar Care provides personalized support — from meal preparation and light housekeeping to mobility assistance and companionship — so you can enjoy your home safely and independently this fall.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call BrightStar Care at 317-706-0799 or visit BrightStarCare. com/locations/indianapolis-nw.
David Stordy is the directorowner of BrightStar Care. To learn more about home care or schedule an assessment, call BrightStar Care at 317-706-0799 or visit brightstarcare.com.
VonBlon
Wyss
Adults 55 and older should be careful of falls on walks. (Stock
Medicare open enrollment: What you need to know
Commentary by Julia DeLong
Open Enrollment started Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. Any changes you make during this period will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
During Open Enrollment, you can make certain changes to your Medicare health coverage, such as:
• Adding, dropping, or changing your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D prescription drug plan
• Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa
• Reviewing and selecting a new Part D plan that better fits your needs
You can make updates any time during the enrollment period, but the last change you make before Dec. 7, 2025, is the one that will go into effect.
When reviewing your 2026 Medicare plan options, take time to compare plans available in your area; you may find better pricing or coverage. Be sure to consider:
• Access to your preferred doctors, health care providers and pharmacies
• Access to the benefits and services you use most
• Total costs, including premiums, deductibles and co-pays
You should receive the “2026 Medicare & You” handbook, which provides details on Original Medicare benefits. If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan should also send an Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage outlining any updates for 2026.
Once you’ve made your decision, you can:
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE
• Visit Medicare.gov
• Or contact your plan provider directly to enroll
Always request confirmation of any plan details in writing before making your final decision.
Protect yourself from Medicare marketing violations
Medicare has strict rules about how Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can market their services. Knowing these rules can help protect you from
aggressive or misleading sales tactics. Keep these important points in mind during Open Enrollment:
• Unsolicited contact is not allowed. Plans may send you postal mail, but they cannot call, email, visit your home or approach you in public without your permission unless you are already enrolled with them.
• No false affiliations. Plans are not allowed to claim they represent or are endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. They also cannot use the Medicare name or logo in their marketing materials.
• Scope of appointment. If you agree to meet with an agent, they must provide a Scope of Appointment form that outlines what will be discussed. The appointment must take place at least 48 hours after you sign the SOA.
• Transparency before enrollment. Before enrolling you, a representative must explain how the new plan will affect your current coverage. They are required to review a checklist with you to ensure the plan fits your needs including your preferred providers, medications, and cost expectations.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, is a free, federally funded program available in every state to provide unbiased, 1-on-1 counseling to people with Medicare, their families, and caregivers. SHIP services do not sell insurance and are there purely to help you make the best decisions for your individual situation.
A review of your Medicare benefits is also included as part of many services offered at Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law. If you’d like to schedule a personalized consultation with our team, call our office at 317-492-9569. We’re here to guide you through your options, answer your questions, and help you make the best choices for your healthcare coverage and peace of mind.
Julia DeLong is a Medicare and benefits specialist for Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law.
Sycamore Reserve resident a working musician
By Ken Severson editorial@youarecurrent.com
New Sycamore Reserve resident Greg Anderson is always active and it’s music to his ears — literally.
Anderson, 74, an Indianapolis native and North Central High School graduate, maintains an active lifestyle.
“I moved to Sycamore in July but still own a log cabin in rural Owen County that we visit,” Anderson said. “Most of my musical contacts are in Indianapolis, so I got this (apartment) as a rented office, but I live here.”
Additionally, Anderson stays busy working as a musician. He plays in a duo with longtime collaborator Steve Quinn. They play together at Prime 47 in Carmel on Friday nights and also at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
Anderson plays bass and keyboards and has played professionally for 50 years.
Besides his current gigs, Anderson plays at weddings and has played at friends’ weddings and his friends’ children’s weddings and grandkids’ weddings.
Anderson said life at the Sycamore has been rewarding.
“I love living here at Sycamore,” Anderson said. “It’s a great community and I enjoy it a lot. It’s nothing like living in a nursing home and that’s a big difference to me.”
Anderson said Sycamore had good, friendly people
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“I love living here at Sycamore. It’s a great community and I enjoy it a lot. It’s nothing like living in a nursing home and that’s a big difference to me.”
— Greg Anderson
and was fun. After looking at several facilities, Anderson said Sycamore resonated with him.
Anderson said amenities at Sycamore are part of the vibe, including the swimming pool and gym and the proximity to the Nickel Plate Trail for walking and biking.
“That vibe is a major reason I am here,” Anderson said.
Anderson said although he’s a working musician, he hasn’t had a chance to perform for Sycamore residents.
“I would like to play a show, but my schedule is very full,” Anderson said. “I’ve played at other communities like (Sycamore).”
Anderson and his wife Kathy have six children, Jaymi, Kara, Andy, Patrick, Drew and Paige.
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Sycamore Reserve resident Greg Anderson stays busy as a musician. (Photo courtesy of Sycamore Reserve)
Pickleball helps Westfield resident with Parkinson’s disease
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Jennifer Joyce found a new pastime after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020.
The 62-year-old Westfield resident had always been an active runner who competed in running and masters swimming events and triathlons.
But she took up pickleball when she moved to the Osborne Trails neighborhood in Westfield after her diagnosis.
“I was involved with the whole idea of Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s,” said Joyce, a 1981 Carmel High School graduate.
Joyce shared her idea with Indiana Parkinson Foundation Program Director and co-founder Addie Cunningham and IPF Director Kim Williams
The tournament, which benefits the Indiana Parkinson Foundation, begins at 8 a.m. Nov. 15 at The Picklr, 9847 Cumberland Point Blvd., Noblesville.
Joyce credits her Osborne Trails pickleball group for spurring her interest.
“There is a huge group of people who are involved with pickleball here,” Joyce said. “This whole neighborhood group really taught me the game. I really started feeling a lot better when I was playing. You can’t think of anything else when you’re playing. You have to really concentrate and really be intentional be-
cause you can really get hurt whether you have Parkinson’s or not. I wanted to make sure it was something I could keep doing as I got older and as my disease progressed.”
Joyce was soon hooked on the game.
“The best part about playing pickleball is that you forget, if just for an hour, that you have a degenerative neurological disease. You are just another player trying to do their best to beat their opponent while making a new group of friends,” Joyce said. “I wouldn’t hesitate for a second, if I needed help, to call anyone on my
team. They would be there in a second.”
Joyce said the first year of the tournament, several members from her neighborhood played.
“This year, I decided I really wanted to play, and my husband is going to play with me,” she said. “I’m also going to try to be on a women’s team as well.”
Joyce runs and regularly competes in marathons.
“Pickleball is something anyone can do,” she said. “I’m starting to get into pingpong, and I think that can be the next steppingstone. You don’t hear of anyone getting hurt playing pingpong.”
Joyce said she liked going to the Rock Steady Boxing (in Indianapolis) but it’s just too far away with too much traffic,” she said. “So, I started doing some research and my husband a found boxing program inside the Meta Quest called Supernatural.”
Meta Quest is used with a virtual reality headset.
“It’s an excellent workout and helps me a lot on balance,” Joyce said. “You get good feelings when you hear the songs you love and (it) produces the dopamine and makes you feel better when you are actually exercising.”
Joyce said she recommends Meta Quest to people with Parkinson’s.
“It is hard, and some people can’t do it because it messes with their balance,” she said.
For more on the Pickleball 4 Parkinson’s tournament, visit indianaparkinson.org/p4p/.
Importance of podiatrist visits for skin lesions
Commentary by Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf
s we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our skin is no exception. For individuals older than 55, regular health checkups become increasingly important, particularly when it comes to the skin on our feet and lower legs.
Although routine dermatology visits are essential for skin health, seeing a podiatrist specifically for foot and leg concerns is equally crucial, especially for identifying skin lesions that could indicate underlying issues.
Skin lesions, such as moles, growths or sores, are not uncommon in older adults. Some may be benign, but others can signify more serious conditions, including skin cancer. The feet often bear the brunt of various ailments and lesions may develop because of factors like diabetes, poor circulation or prolonged pressure. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating foot-related issues and can provide targeted care that other providers may not focus on.
One of the most significant reasons to visit a podiatrist for skin concerns is that they are adept at distinguishing between various skin conditions that can affect the feet and lower legs. They can perform thorough examinations,
often utilizing specialized tools to assess lesions more accurately. Furthermore, podiatrists can advise on the best preventive care for your feet, which is vital in maintaining mobility and reducing the risk of complications.
In addition to addressing current lesions, podiatrists can guide the management of underlying health issues, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, which could make you more susceptible to skin conditions. Regular visits can lead to early detection and treatment, minimizing the risk of more serious complications down the line.
Overall, while dermatology checks are essential for skin health, don’t overlook the importance of a podiatrist’s expertise. For those older than 55, making podiatric evaluations a part of your health care routine is a proactive step toward preserving not only your skin health but your overall well-being. Regular examinations can keep you active and mobile, ensuring quality of life as you age.
at appt@westfieldfoot.com or 317-896-6655.
Podiatrist
(Stock Photo)
Dr. David Sullivan and Dr. Kenneth Stumpf are boardcertified foot surgeons at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC. Contact them
How quickly things change
Commentary by Tom Weesner
Not too long ago, my mother was exercising twice a week with a personal trainer, as she had been for more than 25 years. She certainly doesn’t look like someone who trained that much, but her dedication to her body helped with speedy recovery for heart surgery and two knee replacements. Afterward she was back at the gym. Did I mention she is Motion 4 Life Fitness’ second-oldest member at 93 years of age?
And then things changed, quickly. A series of strokes landed her in the hospital for several days. When she moved to acute rehabilitation, her cognition was down and she was unable to walk. The next three weeks, she worked 15 hours each week in occupational, physical and speech therapy. And we saw significant improvement, not only in her physical movement, but more important, her cognition. She was sharp, alert and working hard to get back to her normal self. Despite her tremendous improvement, she had to move along to the next step of her recovery.
Because mom worked very hard at acute rehab, she qualified for assisted living with care. During this transition, she did not have physical therapy for the first week, and we noticed some physical and cognitive decline in this short period of time. She now only qualified for two, 40-minute sessions of
physical therapy each week. Five weeks later, insurance reduced PT to one session a week, and then it will go to none.
Takeaways from our experience:
Cognitive decline due to inactivity is real. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several of our members shared they experienced noticeable cognitive decline due to not exercising during the shutdown.
The harder you work prior to and during recovery, the more you will improve. If you don’t, you won’t. It will be up to you to keep up the hours of exercise because insurance continues to decrease covered physical therapy whether you get better or not.
It is vitally important to work with a professional trainer to provide encouragement and support when you feel you can’t do it on your own.
Socialization and connection are critical for brain health and motivation.
Please don’t wait. Things change quickly!
We are proud of our mom. She worked hard prior to and during her recovery. And now, she is returning to work with her trainer at the gym twice a week with the goal of three times a week!
Tom Weesner is president of Motion 4 Life Fitness.
Motion 4 Life Fitness members celebrate after a fun group exercise (Photo courtesy of Tom Weesner)
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
FINDING AN ONCOLOGIST
By Dr. Nawal Kassem, breast oncologist at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a reminder to wear pink. It’s an opportunity to educate, empower and encourage people to take charge of their health. A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but one of the most important steps a patient can take is building the right care team. At the center of that team is an oncologist, who helps guide treatment decisions, coordinates with other members of the care team and supports patients through every stage of their journey. Finding the right oncologist and the right team can make all the difference in both outcomes and quality of life.
WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, though men can develop it too. Early detection significantly improves outcomes. Screening tools such as mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs allow doctors to identify cancer at its earliest stages when treatment is most effective. IU Health provides comprehensive screening and diagnostic services, as well as specialized highrisk programs for individuals with family histories, genetic predisposition or other risk factors.
When breast cancer is diagnosed, care is coordinated through a multidisciplinary team. This includes radiologists, breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, dietitians, psychosocial support and nurse navigators. Treatment plans are individualized, taking into account the type and stage of breast cancer, personal preferences and other overall health, ensuring that patients receive care that is both evidence-based and compassionate.
WHY ONCOLOGISTS MATTER
Oncologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer. In breast cancer care, several types of oncologists play distinct and essential roles:
• Radiologists: Interpret mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs to detect abnormalities. They also perform image-guided biopsies when further evaluation is needed.
• Medical oncologists: Direct systemic treatments (chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy).
• Radiation oncologists: Plan and deliver radiation therapy when it’s part of treatment.
• Surgical oncologists or breast surgeons: Perform breast surgeries, sentinel lymph node evaluation, while collaborating with plastic surgeons on reconstructive options.
Beyond treating the cancer itself, oncologists work with other specialists to support prevention of recurrence, manage side effects and address quality of life, nutrition, mental health and survivorship care. At IU Health, patient care is coordinated across experts to ensure you’re supported in all phases, from diagnosis through follow-up.
HOW TO FIND YOUR ONCOLOGIST
Here are some practical tips:
• Start with referrals and reputable centers: Ask your primary care doctor for referrals. Look for cancer centers that are accredited and, when possible, affiliated with medical schools. These often provide access to leading specialists, clinical trials, advanced diagnostics and multi-disciplinary teams. IU Health’s partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine is one example.
• Check what services and specialties they offer: Confirm that the center has experience with your specific breast cancer subtype. Is there access to high-risk programs
or genetic counseling, if needed? Do they offer the full range of treatments that you might need, such as surgery, radiation, medical oncology and reconstructive surgery?
• Evaluate communication and support: Quality care goes beyond treatment. You want someone who listens, explains options clearly, considers your preferences and helps you understand risks and benefits. Ask about support staff, such as nurse navigators, social workers, dietitians and psychological support. At IU Health, shared decision making is central to the patient’s experience.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, informed decision-making and comprehensive care. Advances in screening, surgery, systemic therapies and survivorship support have significantly improved outcomes.
Still, navigating a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. That is why establishing a strong partnership with an oncologist and a multidisciplinary care team is essential. Together, they ensure that treatment is personalized, evidence-based and supportive of the whole person, not just the disease.
For individuals seeking additional information or resources about breast cancer care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment options and support services, IU Health provides extensive expertise and comprehensive programs. To learn more, visit iuhealth.org/breastcancer.
Dr. Nawal Kassem
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Lynda M. Parziale wanted a purpose and a hobby.
“When you get older or retire, it’s very easy to just get into a rut,” Parziale said. “You really have to make the effort to go out and do things and meet people. I think that is one of the things that helps you stay young. I’ve met a lot of interesting people from all age groups.”
Parziale initially donated her time as a volunteer fundraiser for Franciscan Health.
More recently, the 79-year-old Parziale took up art in April 2024.
“It’s a stress reliever,” she said.
Parziale does acrylic paint pouring to create her pieces.
“You can pour it on in different ways, but once it’s on, you have to maneuver it,” she said. “One of the things that I tell people is the paint has a mind of its own. It will do what it wants to do, but you can cajole it along.”
Paraziale said each person might see something different in her work.
“I get pleasure out of doing it because you get totally immersed in it,” she said. “It’s very relaxing.”
She said she discovered acrylic pouring on Facebook.
“It clicked that I could do it,” she said. Her work has been on display at No blesville Creates and Fishers City Hall.
Parziale sold her first piece after six weeks and has sold several pieces since then.
“I just did my 11th piece for a brand-new building in Boston,” she said.
She has sold nearly 25 pieces.
“I went to school in England, and as far as artistic things, I had to write in calligraphy until I was 10
Continued on Page 11
Carmel resident discovers passion for acrylic pouring
Lyndia M. Parziale with her art work. (Photos courtesy of Lynda M. Parziale)
Continued from Page 10
years old,” she said. “In school in England then, you have to make choices whether you are going into the arts or sciences very early. So, I just had an art class for two years, probably when I was 12 and 13, and that’s it. Even though I went on the science track, I’ve always been very interested in the arts. I think it’s because when we moved around a lot, I had to decorate the house. I did a lot of sewing and knitting.”
Parziale has lived all across the U.S. after meeting her husband, Vincent, in his first year of medical school at Stanford University. She had moved from England to Canada in her early 20s. The couple have lived in Oregon, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada. They lived in Indianapolis for two years in the 1980s when her husband worked at Eli Lilly.
I’ll be honest, I’d never in a million years thought that my art would be hanging in galleries and people would be buying it — Lynda Parziale
erous with donations for pieces of art for fundraisers. I did fundraisers for Franciscan Health before they built the hospice.”
Parziale was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017.
“Everything was taken care of, which was great,” she said. “One of the ways that I felt I could pay back was to help raise money for The Giving Gig. On a couple of occasions we made over $2 million. Continuing my drive to bring in many, many items we were very successful.”
Parziale said one of her bucket list items would be owning her own art store or gallery.
“I’ll be honest, I’d never in a million years thought that my art would be hanging in galleries and people would be buying it,” she said. “It’s been a whole new lease on life and opened a lot of doors for me.”
For more, visit Parziale’s Instagram page at englishdame_lmrp_acrylics.
“When we found out our married daughter was pregnant, we came back here 18 years ago,” Parziale said. “We’ve been in Carmel for 10 years.”
Parziale’s daughter, Vanessa Barth, and her husband, Brian, have one child, Elyce, and live in Carmel. The Parziales lived in Bargersville before moving to Carmel.
GIVING BACK
From moving so often, Parziale has a lot of connections across the U.S. When she was younger, she worked in nuclear medicine research.
“When we lived in Las Vegas, I was director for one of the largest real estate firms in Las Vegas,” she said. “When we moved here, I was going to retire. Trust me, I can’t retire. I tried it before, and I ended up doing a lot of volunteer work. I met a lot of artists. People were gen-
Jeffery P. Schoonover, MD
RPVI, DABVLM Chief Medical Officer, Fellow, American Vein & Lymphatic Society
Are swollen ankles, leg heaviness, and muscle cramping keeping you from your daily routine?
Call Indiana Vein & Lymphatic today and get on the road to better health.
EVALUATION AND TREATMENT
Lynda M. Parziale with her acrylic pouring paintings. (Photo courtesy of Lynda M. Parziale)
Looking For A New Place
Stratford resident becomes author for 1st time at 91
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Marti Macke has been writing most of her life but never expected to publish her first book at age 91.
“I never thought I would see the day, and I was surprised how much fun it was,” said Macke, a resident of The Stratford retirement community in Carmel. “I should have written more. I was surprised everybody in the family wants the book, and they want it for their children, so that feels good. People always said to me, ‘I wish I would have asked my mother questions or I wish I had talked to my grandma.’”
So, Macke talked to her mother, Mary. Macke drew on those stories and memories over the years to write “Where the Heroes Are: Stories of an Immigrant Family and the Home Front During WWII.”
Macke, whose maiden name is Cmar, said she learned her family came from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which dissolved after World War I.
“(My mother) started to talk to me about what it was like in the olden days, and it was pretty interesting to me,” Macke said. “The Austrian part, where she was from, turned into Poland, but we didn’t speak Polish. I found out later my father was from the Hungarian part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and they had a different king.”
Macke moved to The Stratford 10 years ago. Her husband, Elmer Macke, died in 2007 at age 77 when the couple lived in Florida.
Macke said she remembers growing up like it was yesterday.
“I lived during a unique time and want people to learn from our history,” Macke said. “Many of the same issues, from when I was young during World War II, are still relevant today.”
She grew up in Gary, the youngest of six children. She graduated from Gary Tolleston High School in 1952. Tolleston closed in 1969 and is now a home to the Boys & Girls Club. She graduated from Indiana University with a radio and television degree in 1956.
Macke worked at a radio station, creating fun jingles. She also wrote articles for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
when she lived in Fort Wayne, where her husband had a land development business.
Macke’s daughter, Mary Lou Cox, said her mother has been writing all her life and taking writing classes.
Cox said her mother wrote stories and sent them to the grandchildren. The grandchildren began to request the stories as Christmas presents.
“Which was really cool because I didn’t have to go out shopping. I’d just sit down on these little typewriters we used to have and later the computer,” Macke said.
The book editor was Jenny Kalahar, who has written several books and is one of Indiana’s premier poets. Kalahar was recommended to Cox to help publish her book.
“She started working on it and (said), ‘This is an important book that people need to know about,’” Cox said.
Macke said she wrote the book for her own four children, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and her nieces and nephews.
Stratford resident Marti Macke with a copy of her book. (Photo courtesy of Mary Lou Cox)
Continued from Page 12
“My oldest brother was 20 years older than me,” she said. “My nieces and nephews are 12 to 20 years younger than me, so I’m as close to my nieces and nephews as I was to my brothers and sisters, who are all gone now.”
Macke’s two brothers served in World War II. One of her sisters was married during that time and her husband also was in the war. She talked to her siblings before they died and also had letters they had written from home. The book addresses the challenges her brothers faced after the war.
“My one brother, Peter, had malaria and he was a radio operator and he would wake up screaming, ‘Pop,
you son of a gun, pop,’” Macke said. “Mama and Dad would rush upstairs. What it was that Germans would play ‘Pop Goes the Weasel’ repeatedly (over the radio) and he said after a while, it messed with your mind.”
Her oldest brother, Johnny, slept between two beds because he was used to sleeping in a foxhole, which gave him protection.
Macke also has three sons, Chris, Michael and Mark. Cox said her mother’s family faced prejudice being an immigrant family when they first arrived in the U.S.
“One thing we all wanted to be was Americans,” Macke said. “My mother baked apple pies, and my brothers always said that was a pie worth fighting for.”
Macke said she relies on a little historical fiction to
One thing we all wanted to be was Americans.
— Marti Macke
recreate dialogue.
Macke will participate in the Carmel Library Local Author Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Carmel Clay Public Library’s Community Room. Books were submitted in advance and reviewed prior to her invitation. She will have books available for sale at the event and the book is available on Amazon.com.
Have Medicare question s? I have answers
I’m Kimberly Hughes, a licensed sales agent in Hamilton County, serving central Indiana. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Make the most of my knowledge and experience to:
• Take the confusion out of Medicare
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• Receive one-on-one service
• Make enrolling in a plan easier I look forward to helping you explore your Medicare options so you can enroll in a plan with confidence.
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AND BETTER
This quarterly publication from Current Publishing will focus on how those 55 years old and older can make the most of every day to create and enjoy a vibrant, productive lifestyle. Focal points will include relationships of all sorts, handling grief and loss, dining, cooking at home, how to love again, fitness and wellness, active-life choices, travel, personal finance, scam alerts and, among other topics, making the home exactly what is wanted. 55 and Better is distributed as part of Current (126,986 households) by U.S. Mail.
Issue Date Jan. 27, 2026 April 28, 2026 July 28, 2026 Oct. 27, 2026
Ad deadine Jan. 16, 2026 April 17, 2026 July 17, 2026 Oct. 16, 2026
