Senior Life Northwest Edition December 2020

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Vol. 24, No. 9

December cember 2020

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Northwest Edition R Reaching Seniors In Illiana: Cook, Lake & Porter Counties

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Prayer scarves and shawls warm bodies and spirits 7H[W DQG SKRWRV %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU For Judy Bornstein, life began at age 70. Twice divorced from abusive marriages, she has not only discovered herself but also found ways to use her talents to help others. A member of First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso, Bornstein started the church’s prayer shawl ministry, which annually crochets items for agencies served by United Way of Porter County. This year, due to the increase in need due to COVID-19, the ministry is crocheting prayer scarves for clients of Meals on Wheels. “I love to think of ways to make people feel good,â€? said Bornstein, 84, the mother of ďŹ ve, grandmother of 17, and great-grandmother of 32. roA Retired and Senior Volunteer Program volunteer since 2015, Bornstein has been a Crafting for Love volunteer, knitting tting and crocheting items to be donated to those in need, and a companionship volunteer, checking on those who are homebound or in hospice. Working with VNA Hospice in Val-paraiso, Bornstein has been a licensed hospice volunteer for 12 years. Known as the “singing lady,â€? Bornstein visits hospices and senior living facilities, singnging old hymns. “I love to go and sing and chat,â€? she he said. “It ďŹ lls me up with such peace andd joy because old people can be so lonely.â€?â€? Although COVID has put a damper er on hospice visitations, Bornstein has enough to keep herself occupied. She walks three miles a day, then returns home to crochet for a couple hours. It’s a skill she learned from her grandmother. r.

Since the prayer shawl ministry beegan, this group of women, working mainly nly from home, annually knits and crochetss items for 16 different agencies. While the scarves are attractive and nd warm, Bornstein believes the prayerfull message attached is more important. Each scarf comes with this prayer: “This is scarf is given to you as a reminder thatt our loving thoughts and prayers will warm you during the holidays and all the Continued on page 2

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Key Positions

Nina Stur named chief nursing officer at St. Catherine Hospital Nina Stur has been named chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at St. Catherine Hospital. She has served as the hospital’s interim chief nursing officer since January. Stur began her career as a registered nurse in the medical surgical unit of St. Catherine Hospital 37 years ago. After her start as a staff nurse, Stur wrote and put into place nursing care plans for patients. She was promoted to director of nursing and nurse clinician in 1990. In 1993, she became the hospital’s clinical case manager, serving as a consultant to physicians on diagnoses and to pa-

tients and families on discharge planning, medical reviews and excellence in health care. Most recently, Stur served as director of case management and associate director patient care services. She has had each of those positions for the past 10 years. The posts that Stur has held over her career have cultivated a solid understanding of hospital operations, its people and its departments. “Nina is a dynamic and wellrespected collaborator with extensive knowledge of the patient population, accreditation processes, wellness initiatives and innovative nursing practices,” said Leo Correa,

administrator and chief executive officer. “She is adept at directing teams in positive ways that ensure delivery of the very best in health care,” she said. “Nina’s an asset to a hospital where its environment of care matches its quality of care.” Stur, a Munster resident, said she is proud of the five-star rated hospital and its health care teams. Outside the hospital, Stur has managed a wellness program for steelworkers in East Chicago. Stur has been a panelist on health care-related issues, more recently at a Purdue University Northwest Symposium on palliative care.

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Tips to help older adults stay apart, not alone during COVID-19 (NewsUSA) Almost 42 million Americans identified as caregivers for an older adult prior to COVID-19. Overnight, it’s likely that millions more have joined their ranks. With COVID-19, there are added complications, notably physical separation. Some

people are supporting older relatives who live far away while others may be close by, but are maintaining a safe distance. The goal is to maintain social closeness while also practicing physical distance. “As the primary caregiver to my parents, I know well

that the ways we support the older adults in our lives have changed,” said Ray Spoljaric, CEO and co-founder of Aloe Care. “Caregivers are resilient, committed people and will go to any lengths to provide for those they care for. Now more than ever, communication and col-

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laboration are key to providing the highest level of care.” If you’re a new caregiver, or concerned about COVID-19 for someone you support, consider these five tips from nationally recognized expert Amy Goyer: • Establish a care circle. Identify the people who can help. It may be a combination of professionals, family members, and/or friends. Collect names, phone numbers, and email addresses of everyone in your care circle. This is also a good place to store elders’ information, particularly what you would need in case of an emergency (i.e., medications, pre-existing conditions, home access details). • Stay Connected. Next, establish regular check-ins. With new physical distancing guidelines, social connection is more important than ever. Prepare a schedule of remote check-ins by the Care Circle. Consider leveraging technology in a solution like Aloe Care, which facilitates easy check-ins and care collaboration. • Maintain Medical Care and Support. Telehealth is a rapidly advancing option for safe care. In fact, the Centers for Medi-

care & Medicaid Services recently expanded coverage and loosened policies and regulations regarding telehealth. Many pharmacies have mail order options and are expanding support for caregivers to manage medications. • Cover the Essentials. Assess the food, household, and personal supplies the elders have at home and what they need to keep in stock. Many grocery stores now offer contactless delivery or pick-up. A quick online search should reveal the best local option. Additionally, the Area Agency on Aging’s Eldercare Locator is a great resource, as is Meals on Wheels. • Well-Rounded Health. While it may take some creativity during COVID-19, everyone needs stimulation physically, cognitively, and emotionally to maintain their well-being (including you, dear caregiver). Find ways to keep your loved ones and yourself active with technology, puzzles, letter-writing, exercises and more. For more advice and resources about remote caregiving, refer to the complete “Apart, Not Alone” guide by Amy Goyer.

Prayer scarves Continued from page 1 days of the new year.” “A lot of these people are alone, with no one thinking of them,” Bornstein said. “This prayer scarf is a reminder that we are thinking of them.” As of mid-November, the church women had made 1,200 scarves – none of them alike – with the bulk of them going to United Way and Meals on Wheels. “We want these people to know we think enough of them to make a scarf and send a prayer,” Bornstein noted, adding there is no quota of scarves. “Whatever we have is done. We’re reaching one

person at a time. If they feel important, that’s all that matters.” According to Evelyn Harris, RSVP director for United Way of Porter County, “Judy is one of our RSVP volunteers who has so many talents. Every year, her ministry donates scarves to United Way. Judy has a tremendous heart full of love and is always caring for others.” A woman who loves her new life in a senior residential community in Valparaiso, Bornstein confessed she loves being old. “Age is an attitude. I have an attitude that there is nothing we can’t accomplish if we believe in ourselves,” she said.

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December 2020 â– SENIOR LIFE â– 3

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Spotlight

Hospice Artisans’ work held to ‘high level of perfection’ %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU Since 2006, Hospice Artisans has raises and donated monies to Hospice of the Calumet Area. However, as its project coordinator stresses, it’s how the group accomplishes this goal that makes it unique as a nonprofit. “We are recognized throughout our area and beyond for our high quality of work,” said Lydia Dershewitz of Munster.

“Our artisans are all volunteers. Each individual has his or her own style, but all share a passion and commitment to the hospice mission.” All items are handcrafted and individually made, No two are ever exactly alike, said Dershewitz, adding that artists are always moving forward and learning new techniques. One member even brought back paper from Japan. “We take classes, read trade journals, and when possible, &2/25)8/ :25.² 7KHVH DUH ERWK VDPSOHV RI WKH FUDIW SURMHFWV RI WKH +RVSLFH $UWLVDQV ,WV KDQGL ZRUN VXSSRUWV WKH PLVVLRQ RI +RVSLFH RI WKH &DOXPHW $UHD 3KRWR SURYLGHG

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visit museums and galleries for inspiration. Many have collected materials from all over the world,” she said. “We all share ideas with each other and are so happy to pass along our skills.” Artisans hail from varied backgrounds – retirees, teachers, nurses, social workers, master gardeners, health care professionals – ranging in ages past 90. They come from Lake and Porter counties and parts of Illinois. Even though they are all volunteers, Dershewitz said, members take their crafts very professionally, citing a “high level of perfection.” Every submitted work is reviewed by two to three people before being displayed for sale. As Dershewitz explained, the higher the quality of workmanship, the more money can be raised to support hospice. “They take it so seriously,” Dershewitz said, so much so while members currently work on their own, Zoom meetings

may be coming. Hospice Artisans originally started with greeting cards. Now, hospice volunteers make ornaments, knitted bags, ceramics, journals, paperie, pottery, wood and resin pieces, dish cloths, jewelry, children’s and pet supplies, project bags, and fabric bags, scarves, and totes. Hospice Artisans have raised more than $650,000 so far this year. And now, even with COVID-19, these volunteers are moving with the times to continue raising funds. The group typically has 12 public benefits annually. With the coronavirus, Dershewitz explained, Hospice of the Calumet Area realized in-person fundraisers would be neither feasible nor safe. Working with hospice staff, the Artisans now have their own website, www. hospiceartisans.org. Materials ordered are being shipped out of Porter. One of the most rewarding aspects of Hospice Artisans,

Dershewitz said, is watching the growth of individuals who had never had any experience in crafts. “Some have said, ‘I have no talent,’ but they were wrong,” she said. “We have people who last sewed when they were children, people who learned to knit from their grandmothers, people who discovered a talent for sales that surprised them more than anyone else.” Several Hospice Artisan cards are featured in “1,000 Greeting Cards,” published in 2009. In 2012, The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana has also recognized the group. For Dershewitz, it seems a long time since one of the artisans made greeting cards for hospice. Then came someone who could knit and another who could teach or sell. “And on and on until today, when we are over 65 strong,” Dershewitz said, adding, “strong in creativity and strong in commitment.”

Get Yours Today!

Senior Life newspapers are monthly publications dedicated to inform, serve and entertain the senior citizens in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. Each of the four editions focus on local information for each area. Senior Life is privately owned and published by The Papers Incorporated. STAFF Ron Baumgartner, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rbaumgartner@the-papers.com Carrie Goralczyk, Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cgoralczyk@the-papers.com Steve Meadows, Director Of Marketing . . . . . . . . smeadows@the-papers.com Bill Hays, Advertising Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bhays@the-papers.com Account Executive Rebecca Berggren . . . . . .slwest@the-papers.com • 1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2430 Commercial Printing Sales Representative Rich Krygowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rkrygowski@the-papers.com Barb Walter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bwalter@the-papers.com Deb Patterson, Editor-In-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dpatterson@the-papers.com Phoebe Muthart, Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pmuthart@the-papers.com Joe Hoyt, Circulation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jhoyt@the-papers.com EDITORIAL DEADLINES Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior St. Joseph Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th Month Prior Allen Edition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior Northwest Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Month Prior SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $34 for one year; and $58 for two years. (Select one edition.) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt. ADVERTISING For advertising deadlines call your sales representative. The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers. Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. PRODUCTION Senior Life is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite software and Photoshop software. Submit ads as .tif, .eps or .pdf files. ASCII (generic text) may be submitted via email or on CD/DVD. Check our website at www.the-papers.com for guidelines on preparing ads electronically. Graphics for ads can be emailed as PDF files to adcomp@the-papers. com. If you have any questions, give us a call and we’ll walk you through it. REPRINT RIGHTS Reprinting in part or whole of any article in Senior Life is not allowed without express written permission from Senior Life.

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December 2020 â– SENIOR LIFE â– 5

Sports

Pitcher-spiker keeps playing ball in park leagues %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU Doreen Corley began playing sports as a young girl. Today, at 53, whether it’s volleyball or softball, this mother and grandmother continues to play. Corley plays softball and volleyball in Valparaiso Parks Department leagues. She also played walleyball (volleyball off a wall) for the Valparaiso Family YMCA when it was located in downtown Valparaiso. For Corley, sports is a “good out.â€? “It’s a friendly atmosphere and it keeps me active. You meet great people and it’s nice to be competitive.â€? A softball pitcher, Corley plays for the HealthLinc squad. Her volleyball team is called the Volley Ranchers. While softball is played outdoors on local ball ďŹ elds, volleyball is an indoor game played at Valparaiso public schools. Due to the coronavirus lockdown, schools were closed to outside groups and there wasn’t any 2020 parks volleyball games. Normally, Corley would spend nearly half the year playing something. The mother of three and stepmother to three more, Corley and her husband, Jack, own a machine and fabrication shop in LaPorte. Her daughter Kacie has played park league

sports with her. Sports has been in Corley’s blood and background. Her interest in volleyball began as a eighth grader at St. Paul Catholic School. It continued through Valparaiso High School. Softball started earlier, in third grade. Although she did not make the VHS softball squad, she did play in community leagues. She continued playing intramural sports at Purdue University in West Lafayette. She also ran track in high school when girls’ prep sports were still in their infancy and did not receive much press. Corley’s parents preceded her in competitive sports. Her mother, Theodora (Dora) Clifford, now 88, played volleyball for VHS and a local women’s league. Corley has a team photo with her mother from 1964; Corley was born three years later. Corley’s father, Joseph Clifford, 90, played football for VHS and in the Army. One of ďŹ ve children, Corley said her three brothers played VHS football. Corley said sports has taught her “how to get along with people.â€? She explained that adult sports face such challenges as work, spouse or children creating conicts. Another challenge, Corley noted jokingly, is dealing with umpires’ calls. “We’re harassing

6($621(' 62)7%$// 3/$<(5 Âł 'RUHHQ &RUOH\ RI 9DOSDUDLVR GLVSOD\V D SKRWR RI KHU 9DOSDUDLVR 3DUNV 'HSDUWPHQW VRIWEDOO WHDP &RUOH\ D WKUHH VSRUW DWKOHWH DW 9DOSDUDLVR +LJK 6FKRRO DOVR SOD\V OHDJXH YROOH\EDOO 3KRWR E\ 6WHYH (XYLQR them, but in a loving way,â€? she noted. “Doreen is one of the players in our leagues that deďŹ nitely goes out there to have as much fun as possible,â€? said Dan Lukes, adult program director for Valparaiso Parks. “Genuinely a nice person, funny, and I believe wellliked and respected amongst her

teammates and opponents.� Corley admitted she’s not as good as she used to be, but in softball, she said, “I still throw strikes. My sense of humor may have improved over the years.� Even though she’s playing against younger competition, there’s still an older group still swinging and spiking.

“I’m playing now with women in their 60s,� Corley said. “The kids I played with in high school are still playing. They’ll play forever.� One thing Corley likes about being a softball pitcher is that there’s not a lot of running. It’s more “scooting,� she noted. “I still get hit by line drives.�

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6 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2020

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Finance

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Understanding Social Security —

Benefits will increase in 2021 %\ '$1,(/ 6800(5 6RFLDO 6HFXULW\ 3XEOLF $IIDLUV 6SHFLDOLVW Nearly 70 million Americans will see a 1.3% increase in their Social Security benefits and SSI payments in 2021. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). The CPI-W rises when inflation increases. This change means prices for goods and services, on average, are a little more expensive. Social Security’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) helps to offset these costs. January 2021 marks other changes that will happen based on the increase in the national average wage index. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll tax in 2021 will be higher. The retirement earnings test exempt amount will also change. Read our press release for more information at www.ssa.gov/news/press/ factsheets/colafacts2021.pdf. We will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors and disability beneficiaries; SSI recipients; and representative payees. Want to know your new benefit amount sooner? You can securely view and save the Social Security COLA notice online via the message center inside “my Social Security” in early December, without waiting for the mailed notice. In order to receive the online notice, you need to have a

“my Social Security” account that was created by Nov. 18, 2020. Those with a “my Social Security” can opt out of receiving a mailed paper COLA notice and other notices that are available online. You can choose text or email alerts when there is a notice in message center by updating your preferences at www.ssa. gov/myaccount/opt-out.html, so you always know when we have something important for you. Be the first to know! Sign up for or log in to your personal account today at www. ssa.gov/myaccount. Go to “message center preferences” and choose email or text to receive courtesy notifications. This way you won’t miss your online COLA notice.

Take care, caregiver %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV If you aren’t caring for a diseased or disabled relative, you probably know someone who does. About one out of four people in the U.S. and Canada is a caregiver for a family member or friend. An interesting sidelight indicates some 6 million American seniors live with grandchildren — and half of these elderly are the caregivers in the household. Statistics can serve as headlines on the subject, but do little to expose the stress and heartbreak caregivers Continued on page 7

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Boost retirement income with little-known benefits (NewsUSA) Retirement is a life-changing experience. For some older adults it can be relaxing, for others it can be energizing. Bu it should never be stressful. But retirement in the United States can be expensive, and even savvy seniors who have budgeted for this phase of their lives may feel squeezed in areas such as housing and health care. COVID-19 has made things even harder for many. Many older Americans, who have worked hard all their lives, are unaware that they qualify for a range of public and private benefits to help pay for food, medicine, utilities, and many more essentials that ensure a safe and stable retirement. Every year, $30 billion in benefits go unclaimed because eligible older adults don’t know the programs exist or how to apply. These programs are not scams, and they are not loans. They are legitimate public and private funds designed to help older adults boost their budgets. The National Council on Aging the nation’s oldest and most trusted nonprofit working on behalf of seniors, offers the latest information on benefits programs on its free and confidential website, BenefitsCheckUp.org. The site includes a simple search tool to help retirees and their caregivers safely and securely identify programs that may help meet their financial

needs. There are benefits that help pay for medication and other health care costs (including home care and nursing home care), as well as food, housing and utilities. For those living on a fixed income, an extra $200 to $300 a month can make a significant difference in their standard of living and quality of life. Approximately half of all Medicare beneficiaries live on incomes below $26,200 a year. For those who qualify, Medicare’s special programs can save them thousands of dollars annually on their premiums, medications, deductibles, and co-pays. BenefitsCheckUp.org also includes information on employment and volunteer programs, programs for veterans, property tax relief, travel and recreation discounts, and support for families and caregivers. To raise awareness about these valuable benefits, NCOA is introducing an educational campaign called “Boost Your Budget Week: Find Your Benefits to Age Well.” Planned for July, the week is a great time for older adults to learn about opportunities to boost their budget with benefits. Interested older adults can visit ncoa.org/Boost to start their free BenefitsCheckUp. Or connect with one of NCOA’s local community organizations across the country for in-person assistance. Partners can be found on ncoa.org/Map.

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I have diabetes and my insulin costs are overwhelming. During this open enrollment period, is there a plan I could choose to better cover my insulin costs? The new Part D Senior Savings Model aims to reduce Medicare expenditures. About 30% of all 2021 standalone Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage will offer coverage of different types of insulin at a maximum copay of $35 per month. While your current health insurance plan may elect to participate in this program, not all do. You may need to switch plans to get this new benefit. So you’ll need to switch before the end of the Medicare open enrollment period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7). For 2021, over 1,600 plans nationwide will offer these benefits, with plan options for beneficiaries in each state. Plan benefits will include a maximum $35 copay for a month’s supply and start Jan. 1 with coverage in the deductible, initial coverage and coverage gap phases of Part D. People with Medicare can find a drug plan participating in the Part D Senior Savings Model through the Medicare plan finder at Medicare.gov/ plan-compare. The online plan finder tool now has a filter to include insulin savings. By clicking the “insulin savings” option, plans that offer capped out-of-pocket costs for insulin will be highlighted. The filter will be promoted with a call-out action for users who enter covered insulin in their drug lists. The Part D Senior Savings Model aims to reduce Medicare expenditures while preserving or enhancing quality of care for beneficiaries. It aims to provide additional Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) choices for beneficiaries who receive Part D coverage through both stand-alone PDPs and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans that provide Part D prescription drug coverage (MA-PDs). These model-participating plan benefit packages (PBPs) will provide stable, predictable copays for insulins that beneficiaries need. If you or someone you know has questions about the Part D Senior Savings Model, the plan finder tool, MyMedicare. gov, or any other Medicare related topic, call SHIP at (800) 452-4800 or (866) 846-0139 TDD, or go online to www. medicare.in.gov. You can also find SHIP on Facebook and Twitter. SHIP is a free, unbiased counseling program provided by the Indiana State Department of Insurance.

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December 2020 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 7

‘My Sweet Lord’ was Harrison’s first single George Harrison The Beatles ruled the music world from 1963 until 1970, when they released their “Let It Be” album. %\ 5$1'$/ With the & +,// arrival of $ %RRPHU %ODVW that LP, 7R 7KH 3DVW they collectively threw in the towel as the world’s top recording act and each ex-member then

went to work carving out his own solo career path. Leading the way was George Harrison, who had spent most of his Beatle years in the long shadow cast by bandmates John Lennon and Paul McCartney. When Harrison’s first single of “My Sweet Lord” (released from his “All Things Must Pass” album) streaked to No. 1 right out of the gate, Harrison managed to stand alone in the spotlight for once and bask in the warm glow of worldwide adulation. For a while. Harrison, raised a Catholic, had abandoned the faith when he was 12. As an adult,

he chose to embrace Hinduism and, with “All Things Must Pass,” created a version of the 16-word Hari Krishna mantra while utilizing images of the Hindu god Krishna in his album art. “My Sweet Lord” became the best-known expression of Harrison’s spirituality, his lengthy single (it had a running time of 4:39) detailing Harrison’s desire to become close to God. This is evident in the refrains of “Hallelujah” (a Jewish/Christian term meaning “Praise God”) and the Hindu term “Hare Krishna,” which offers devotion to Lord Krishna. Drawing from

care for your loved one. Talking with other caregivers helps. So does consulting with your doctors and such volunteer organizations that

focus on problems you face, such as the Alzheimer’s Foundation and American Cancer Society.

Take care Continued from page 6

undergo. They can become overwhelmed and forego or forget about caring for themselves. It’s important to know that if you don’t take care of yourself first, you can’t take care of anyone else. In addition to following the usual motherly advice to eat well and get plenty of rest, it’s important to recognize that caregivers frequently face stress-induced depression, fatigue, feelings of guilt and helplessness, and the array of their own aches and pains. If you’re a caregiver, experts in the field suggest you start by seeking out and meeting with other caregivers. It’s a giant step toward getting useful advice on working with your own charge. How do you handle your father’s finances? Your aunt’s diet as she bounces in and out of dementia and forgets to eat? Their refusal to take care of themselves and skip visits to the bathroom that you have to clean up? And all of this without a thank you. You have to teach them how to handle the remote so they can watch television when you’re not around. You have to learn how to give someone a shower. You may have to show them how to open a snack package they like to dive into. Keeping track of their medications and medical appointments is your responsibility, along with making sure they eat well, sleep well and have not developed any new symptoms or sores. It’s a 24-hour job. At the same time, it’s essential to squeeze in time to care for yourself and your health. You need to visit with friends, to get out from under the caregiver cloud and relax. Consider having a friend, family member, volunteer or paid proxy fill in for you for a few hours each week so you can take in a movie or other pastime. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. You’re keeping yourself strong so you can

Mature Life Features, copyright 2020

different religions for his song might have struck some folks as strange, but Harrison apparently wrote his lyrics as a call to spirituality minus the taint of sectarianism. But then the issue of money — lots of it — suddenly raised its (often ugly) head. Some alert listeners noticed that the musical pattern of “My Sweet Lord” was identical to that of the No. 1 1963 Chiffons hit “He’s So Fine.” In 1971, the power people behind Bright Tunes — the company that held the publishing rights to the Chiffons’ million-seller — sued Harrison for copyright infringement, when his 45 was still on the charts. Harrison tried over and over to settle the issue out of court, but Bright Tunes wasn’t interested in what he had to offer. Finally, in 1976 a judge ruled that Harrison had indeed plagiarized “He’s

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So Fine” but that he had probably done so unintentionally. Still, the ex-Beatle was ordered to fork over some of the proceeds from “All Things Must Pass,” plus 75% of the income generated by the tune in question. The total bill came to $1.6 million — quite a punch-in-the-gut even for such a wealthy musician. For the next three years, Harrison, bitter and discouraged, released no new music to his loyal fans. As he told a Rolling Stone writer, “It’s difficult to just start writing again after you’ve been through that. Even now when I put the radio on, every tune I hear sounds like something else.” By the way, he admitted later that much of “My Sweet Lord” came from the 1969 international hit “Oh Happy Day” by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, and not from “He’s So Fine.”

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Rehabilitation center at HartsďŹ eld Village offers smooth transition %\ 52 /28*+0,//(5 'LUHFWRU RI %XVLQHVV 'HYHORSPHQW +DUWVĂ€HOG 9LOODJH Experienced professionals at HartsďŹ eld Village Rehabilitation Center help patients recover from surgery, injury or serious illness. Although transitions can be challenging, we strive to facilitate the process smoothly in an encouraging environment where patients feel well-informed and welcome. HartsďŹ eld Village offers comprehensive rehabilitation services including physical, occupational and speech therapies, respiratory therapy, IV therapy, nutrition, wound and pain management programs. Patients have private and semi-private rooms with at-screen TVs, 24-hour nursing care, individualized care planning, medication management and meals to meet speciďŹ c dietary and therapeutic needs from a registered dietitian. “The team at HartsďŹ eld Village prides itself on providing compassionate care as well as state-of-the-art therapy in a comfortable and spa-like environment,â€? said Susan Seydel, facility administrator. “We strive to exceed the expectations of each and every one of our

patients and residents and it is a true honor to serve our community.â€? A continuing care retirement community, HartsďŹ eld Village is part of Community Healthcare System that includes Community Hospital, Munster; St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago; St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart; and specialty hospital Community Stroke and Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point. Being afďŹ liated with Community Healthcare System, HartsďŹ eld Village’s Rehabilitation Center also offers home health services for those in need of physical, occupational or speech therapy in the convenience of their own home. Our professional health care staff provides a caring touch and helps to enhance recovery for patients and restore maximum mobility and independence. HartsďŹ eld Village offers rehabilitative care on an inpatient basis. Find out how HartsďŹ eld’s continuing care community can provide a better quality of life for your loved one and peace of mind for you. Visit www. hartsďŹ eldvillage.com or call (219) 934-0750. HartsďŹ eld Village Rehabilitation Center is located at 503 Otis Bowen Drive, Munster.

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Meals on Wheels needs volunteers Meals on Wheels has announced a new volunteer campaign called “The Gift of Volunteering is Priceless.� Meals on Wheels hopes to acquire new volunteers to deliver meals. “The pandemic has brought an increase in the number of

clients being served in our area,� said Charlie Misovye, the new volunteer manager. “We are in need of volunteers to help us get meals delivered in the community.� Meals on Wheels relies on volunteers to deliver over 40 home-delivered meal routes in

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four counties daily. Meals on Wheels goes beyond just the meal. Volunteers are trained to deliver a personal connection and wellness check with every meal. Meals on Wheels has increased safety measures and has created a no-touch delivery system to protect its volunteers and clients. “This year has reminded us that one of the best and most precious gifts you can give is the gift of your time. Volunteering in your community is a way to turn your compassion into action,â€? said Misovye. The ďŹ rst 10 people to complete volunteer training and deliver a route will receive a $20 gift card, courtesy of Strack and Van Til. Meals on Wheels will host volunteer training at its ofďŹ ce, 8446 Virginia St., Merrillville, at 1 p.m. Dec. 8. Social distancing and masks will be enforced. For information, contact Misovye at (219) 756-3663 or email him at charlie@mownwi. org to register. Attendance is limited. Founded in 1977, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana delivers 1,300 nutritious meals each day with a wellness check and friendly visit to people in Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper counties.

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December 2020 â– SENIOR LIFE â– 9

:MPIJQTQ\I\QWV Fitness has a new focus during Medicare open enrollment time (NewsUSA) Regular exercise is an important part of healthy aging. That’s why many Medicare plans offer affordable exercise programs among their beneďŹ ts. Today, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a exible ďŹ tness option is more essential than ever in helping seniors stay ďŹ t, strong, and healthy. To help seniors meet their exercise needs, the Silver&Fit program from American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc. (ASH Fitness) is available through participating Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans open for enrollment to Medicare beneďŹ ciaries now. “The closing of gyms for seniors who were used to an exercise routine can have a signiďŹ cant impact on health,â€? said Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD, MPH, PT, and AVP of Digital Fitness Solutions with Silver&Fit. “Older adults who stop exercising can become deconditioned in as little as two weeks.â€? The Silver&Fit program offers a variety of exercise and ďŹ tness

options, including online or digital options, to accommodate all levels of ďŹ tness. Here are some of the choices. • 1,700+ On-Demand Fitness Videos. The Silver&Fit video library lets members customize their at-home exercise routines with a collection of workouts available through the Silver&Fit website or mobile app. • In-Person Gym Access. As gyms are permitted to open, and when members feel comfortable going back into the gyms again, the Silver&Fit network will be ready and waiting for them. The Silver&Fit program includes gym access and members can choose from a nation-wide network of more than 15,000 ďŹ tness centers, YMCAs, and ďŹ tness studios. • Live Telephone Coaching. Members seeking help with ďŹ tness goals or lifestyle improvements can work with a live coach to obtain advice on ďŹ tness, nutrition, sleep, and other healthy living habits. • Social Engagement for Emo-

Monitor your prescriptions %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV As we age and acquire sundry types of aches, pains, disabilities and diseases, we build a medicine cabinet bulging with pills and potions prescribed to lessen the pain and thwart the invasion of debilitating disorders. As a result, we can wind up with conicting cures. For example, dosages designed to support a diseased liver might cause our diabetes pills to turn against us. Or a prescription for a newly acquired afiction might cause severe skin rashes, stomach upsets or dizziness and loss of balance. Adding to the confusion is the intake of any supplements (vitamins, etc.), which also may tussle with whatever else is in your system. Many medications come with their own set of issues. Some blood pressure drugs and painkillers can cause depression. Certain combinations of medications can bring on confusion and instability, which may then be misdiagnosed as dementia. Coping with medications gets worse as we age because our bodies lose their resiliency and ability to combat any ill effects. Compounding the problem is that most of us acquire more and more medications as we age.

If you haven’t done so yet, write down all the prescriptions and supplements you take, in what dosages and how often. Make an appointment with your family doctor (now known as your primary care physician) and go over the list carefully. Before agreeing to replace a current prescription with a new medication, discuss with your doctor how it will ďŹ t in. Do the same before deciding to ingest a new health drink or power bar. If you’re given a new prescription after a hospital stay or consulting with a specialist, review the situation with your family doctor before ingesting the medication. If, when you do make changes or additions, you experience dizziness, blurred eyesight, upset stomach, memory lapses — anything — sit down and review the matter with your doctor. Ask if there is any way you can drop a medication by doing more exercise, improving your diet, getting more rest or any other lifestyle changes. If your doctor agrees you can stop taking a certain medication, ask if there will be any ill effects if you drop it too quickly. It’s also a good idea to use one pharmacy for all your prescriptions. The druggist can be another source of information on the interaction between different types of drugs. Mature Life Features, copyright 2020

tional Support and Community Connections. Social isolation can impact mental and emotional health, contributing to poor overall health. The Silver&Fit program links members to more than 120,000 organizations ranging from chess and painting clubs, to classic car and nature organizations. This resource allows members to browse the clubs that suit them and reach out to join in on their Zoom or other virtual or socially distanced meetings to safely connect with like-minded contemporaries. • At-Home Fitness Kits. For those who want to create or en-

hance their own workouts at home, Silver&Fit has developed home ďŹ tness kits. Kits may include an exercise DVD, a workout mat, hand towel, resistance band, dumbbells, or wearable ďŹ tness trackers. The Silver&Fit program also offers free daily workouts for the public on Facebook Live or YouTube. Anyone can join these popular exercise classes tailored to the needs of older adults. The initial intermediate classes, such as cardio, yoga, strength, and others, were so successful that began October 12, Silver&Fit added beginner and advanced

level classes, as well as classes hosted virtually featuring locations from around the world. All classes are taught by certiďŹ ed instructors with experience creating classes for older adults. To participate in a free exercise class, follow Silver&Fit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ SilverandFit or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/silverandďŹ t. For information about whether your Medicare plan includes the Silver&Fit program, contact your health plan or (800)-MEDICARE. Visit www.SilverandFit. com for more information about the program.

10 â– SENIOR LIFE â– December 2020

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Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Colorful tree lights glow with the hope of a cancer-free future and inspires hope.� Each brilliant pink and lavender light on the Lights of Life trees represents a donation made to the Community Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. The foundation supports important cancer research initiatives that improve the community’s access to the latest advances in prevention, detection and treatment of breast and other cancers. The pink trees represent those with breast cancer and lavender trees symbolize all types of cancer. Anyone may participate and purchase a light for the Lights of Life trees to honor a special person in their life. Each light represents a $5 donation, which may be made to the Community Cancer Research Foundation. For a $15 donation, a pink breast

For the past 20 years, holiday lights on the Lights of Life trees outside Community Hospital in Munster have been illuminated. These serve as a reminder of the journey of hope that goes along with a cancer diagnosis. This year, the lights shine on despite the pandemic, although changes have been made to the outdoor lighting ceremony. For the health and safety of participants, donors and their honorees will be invited after Dec. 2 to view a virtual tree lighting. “Participation in these uncertain times is more important than ever before to show support for those on a cancer journey so they know that they are not alone,� said Marie D. Macke, administrator of cancer care, Community Healthcare System. “It brings us together for a common goal

cancer awareness pin, a crystal cancer awareness pin or a lapel cancer awareness pin can also be sent to honorees, along with a gift card in addition to reserving a light. Much of the online ceremony will be the same as the actual ceremony at Community Hospital’s outpatient entrance in years past. Speakers for the virtual event include Community Healthcare System radiologist Jonathon Lee, M.D. and St. Catherine Hospital CEO Leo Correa. Musical performances at the ceremony include a solo by Krystal Kadar Quagliara and pre-recorded selections by the Munster High School Chorale group, directed by Luke McGinnis. The Lights of Life program began in 2000. To date, the

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Lights of Life program has raised more than $250,000 to bring cancer research programs to people in northwest Indiana. Cards and pins will be sent out until Dec. 31. All dona-

tions to the program are tax deductible and are used to sponsor local research trials for area patients. For more information, call (219) 836-6875. Donations are also accepted online at www.myccrf.com.

Ways to stay connected, check on senior citizens while social distancing (NewsUSA) You know we’re all going a tad stir-crazy when a parody of the title song from Broadway’s “Oklahoma!â€? (“Oh, Corona!â€?) gets almost 1.7 million views on YouTube. But it’s far worse for seniors: Not only can’t even their kids and grandkids visit them, but there’s the extra stress that comes with the nagging suspicion that they’ll be advised to remain on lockdown long after younger people begin trickling back to work. Whenever that is. In fact, the AARP Foundation has even come up with this dire comparison: Prolonged social isolation, for those aged 50 and older, “is the health equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.â€? Fortuitously, some of the niftiest technology offers solutions both to keep us connected and protect against some of the miscreants taking advantage of the situation. • Health checks. If you are worried that all the anxiety is harming your loved ones’ overall well-being, the machine-learning algorithms that analyze activity data as part of Alarm.com’s Wellness solution can provide you with the very details you’ve suddenly found yourself obsessing about. Did they open their medicine cabinet when they should to take their prescription? Have their sleeping, eating, and (yes) bathroom patterns changed? Are they up and about during the day? All that and more is done by connecting their home to yours via smart-home technology, with real-time smartphone alerts to let you know if something’s amiss. “You don’t even know it’s there, but it’s here to protect you and let someone know if something does go wrong,â€? said Margarete Pullen of Dallas, Texas, whose

son had the system installed by an authorized service provider for her and her husband along with a Wellcam video camera with two-way voice capability. • Movie meet-ups. Most of us are just trying to ďŹ nd novel ways to cope with a situation that Nicholas Christakis, a social scientist and physician at Yale University, told Science magazine “calls on us to suppress our profoundly human and evolutionary hard-wired impulses for connection.â€? Google’s new Netix Party extension lets friends and family watch, and video chat their way through, a movie together on their computers. You’ll need a NetFlix subscription, but then you’re free to debate whether all the hype about Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,â€? say, was justiďŹ ed. Plus, unlike in real theatres, not many people, if any, are physically there to complain if you’re making too much noise eating popcorn. • Apps! Apps! Apps! No NetFlix subscription? With apps, like FaceTime, Skype, Houseparty and Zoom, comes more proof that social distancing needn’t mean social disconnecting. Mass virtual dinner parties. Mass virtual “happy hours.â€? Mass virtual gym classes. They’ve all become quite the rage, with one Vermont couple in their 80’s even touchingly using Apple’s FaceTime to see and talk to each other after the husband had to be put in a nursing home that bars visitors during the pandemic. And, oh, you say you want to be a hero in your neighborhood? Use an app, like Instagram, to share a video of someone that Alarm.com’s doorbell cameras caught swiping one of the many packages you’ve been having delivered.

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December 2020 â– SENIOR LIFE â– 11

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

This bread stufďŹ ng has more than your basic celery and onion--you’ll love the unexpected addition of mushrooms, red pepper, carrots and water chestnuts! And while it’s the perfect addition to your holiday menu, it’s also a great choice for serving with chicken or ďŹ sh any night of the week. 15 servings; Prep 25 minutes; Ready in 1 hour, 20 minutes. INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup butter 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks) 1 cup chopped onion (1 large) 1/2 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper (1 small) 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage or 2 teaspoons dried sage, crushed 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) 12 cups light whole-wheat bread cut into 1-inch pieces and dried (see Tip) 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped 1 cup coarsely shredded carrots (2 medium) 1 (14.5 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed or 2 eggs, lightly beaten DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, celery, onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in sage, ground pepper and, if desired, crushed red pepper. Combine bread cubes, water chestnuts and carrots in a very large bowl. Add mushroom mixture; toss to combine. Add broth and egg, tossing lightly to combine. Spoon into a 3-quart casserole. Bake, covered with foil, 50 to 55 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 160 degrees F. NUTRITION INFORMATION: Serving Size: 2/3 Cup Per Serving: 108 calories; 3.8 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 8 mg cholesterol; 227 mg sodium. 111 mg potassium; 13 g carbohydrates; 4.1 g ďŹ ber; 3 g sugar; 5.6 g protein; 1776 IU vitamin a iu; 9 mg vitamin c; 11 mcg folate; 66 mg calcium; 2 mg iron; 5 mg magnesium; Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1/2 Fat, 1/2 Lean Protein

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DOWN 1. *Do holiday ones start earlier every year? 2. Show pleasure 3. Aquarium organism 4. Navigational aid 5. *Hanukkah month 6. Competently 7. Wade’s 1973 opponent 8. Not yes, nor no 9. Like Hitler’s Germany 10. Second word in fairytale 11. *Ding follower in “Wonderful Christmastimeâ€? 12. *â€?But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight...â€? 15. Public opinion, in Great Britain 20. Changes to a manuscript 22. Sturdy tree 24. Telephone part 25. *Ralphie’s wish 26. Trial’s partner 27. Late Princess of Wales 29. IV+IV 31. Type of cotton ďŹ ber 32. Exit plus s 33. Around 34. *Macaulay’s famous character 36. Takes to court 38. *Hanukkah gift 42. “Magnoliaâ€? ware 45. Not in its original form 49. Pep rally syllable

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12 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2020

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Telehealth startup implements ‘digital reminiscence’ technology Telememory LLC a Kansas City-based telehealth startup that uses AI-based digital reminiscence technology to connect families with their memories and track emotional responses to improve happiness and health, announced an Alpha testing program with Delmar Gardens Enterprises. The month-long program seeks to connect memory care patients and families to their legacies while promoting the patients’ psychological health and well-being. “Telememory is on a mis0256( &2'( %5$&(/(76 ³ 'HEELH 1DSLHU DQG RWKHU ZRPHQ VKRZ RII WKHLU 0RUVH &RGH EUDFHOHWV sion to harness the healing DW D UHFHQW 5HFRYHU\ &RQQHFWLRQ FODVV 3KRWR SURYLGHG power of life stories. Stimulating long-term memory recall, keeping people connected to their legacies by way of emotionally engaging and informative digital experiences has a significant impact on everyone,” said Eliot Arnold, CEO of Telememory. “We are United Way of Porter County president and CEO of United Monday nights,” said Debbie helping families collect, curate Women United has donated Way of Porter County. “Through Napier, a Women United memand reminisce together pri$10,000 to support PACT Women United, we’re helpber for two years. “As often as vately and securely with our Recovery Connection and The ing to facilitate connection for possible, I volunteer to support next-generation software.” Caring Place. those that need support the these fierce and strong overThe program with Delmar The donation will support most.” comers. They have no idea how Gardens Enterprises Inc., Recovery Connection’s holistic Beyond financial support, spending an hour with them based in Chesterfield, Mo., approach to helping people Women United members volfills my cup.” launched this week. Specificalwith addiction reconnect to unteer at Recovery Connection Porter County Women United ly, Telememory will implement their community. The donaMonday nights to provide social donated funds through its antheir Reminisce+ technology tion will also help The Caring and skills activities for women nual spring fundraiser, Bunco that: Place’s emergency shelter who have struggled with addic- Bash. Women United Porter • Collects key information program for victims of domestic tion. Activities include cooking, County is open to women inter- about a patient’s life through violence. games, craft time, women’s ested in sharing their talents a digital biography process. “These programs are more health and budgeting tips. and passion. To learn how to • Curates personalized vital than ever in the wake “I am blessed beyond meajoin, visit unitedwaypc.org/ content including music, art, of COVID,” said Kim Olesker, sure by the women I meet on women-united. video, images purpose built for invoking long term memory recall, emotional responses and information sharing. • Allows families to stream and share content via narrowcasting and telepresence technology like Apple FaceTime. • Analyzes emotional and biometric responses to the memories to gauge recall. • Provides content recommendations and alerts based on responses.

Porter County Women United donates to PACT

The patent-pending technology is unique in providing a digital means of re-living experiences with friends and family, remotely, while also measuring memory recollection and overall engagement. Launching a pilot with Delmar Gardens gives Telememory access to their deep domain expertise on Memory Care and is an important step in understanding patient and family needs, as well as beginning to understand how to objectively measure the beneficial effects of digital reminiscence. “COVID-19 has accelerated the need for more telehealth solutions that connect family and friends to our residents,” said Kathy Gilmore, senior vice president of Delmar Gardens Enterprises. “We pride ourselves on offering the latest and greatest technology to help our residents stay happy, healthy and engaged. Telememory is developing a groundbreaking solution that may be able to offer non-pharmacological means of improving mood, reducing anxiety and feelings of isolation.” Findings and feedback from the program will be incorporated into Telememory’s beta features. “When my father was diagnosed with dementia, I realized there was no technology purpose-built to help him stay connected to his life interests: art, music, bridge, family, friends. I started Telememory to address this challenge, as well as find non-pharmacological solutions for my dad to improve his mood, slow cognitive decline and stay engaged and fulfilled,” Arnold said. Telememory’s product also allows caregivers to scale these therapeutic solutions across more patients without increasing the cost of care.

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

December 2020 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 13

Residences at Deer Creek offers memory support options %\ .$5(1 $<560$1 ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 5HVLGHQFHV DW 'HHU &UHHN At Residences at Deer Creek, we have the pleasure of meeting many new and wonderful people daily. We hear many heartwarming stories from families struggling to make the decision to move their loved one into a senior living community, especially when their loved one is no longer able to make the decision themselves. What is even more challenging is making that hard decision during a worldwide pandemic. Recently, we met Ruth Buikema, a registered nurse accompanied by her mother, and their emotional state was understandably evident. We listened to amazing stories and the adventures that were her father, Art Vos,’ life — a handsome man with a great sense of humor and an outstanding career as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. Given all his accomplishments and successes, it made it hard for his wife and daughter to watch him slip away from dementia. “As long as I can remember, my dad served his country. He served in Korea and then joined the National Guard. He commanded over 400 men when the death of Martin Luther King Jr. spawned riots in Chicago,” she said. She added, “When dad was promoted as lieutenant colonel, there was a large ceremony with 700-plus men and we were able to attend. When we entered the auditorium, everyone jumped up and saluted. You could have heard a pin drop. My dad looked at the crowd and returned the salute. To us he was just dad, but to hundreds of others he was so much more. We are very proud of our dad not only for his service, but for being a part of something

greater, which has a lasting impact for generations to come,” said Buikema. The Vos family decided it was time to consider memory support options. Buikema did her homework and selected Residences at Deer Creek. She felt the compassion and willingness of Residences at Deer Creek to care for her father in his current world was paramount. Additionally, the community’s state-of-the-art Snoezelen environment, designed to lower stress and increase relaxation, and certified dementia practitioners on staff, helped her solidify her decision. Now that Vos is comfortably settled into his new home at Residences at Deer Creek, Buikema is so appreciative that the staff genuinely cares for her father and is supported by a wonderful team of experts. For more information, call (219) 864-0700 or visit www. ResidencesSeniorLiving.com.

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14 â– SENIOR LIFE â– December 2020

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Faith

Church outreach director seeks to share Christ’s love %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU It was in 1972 when Bonnie Meyer, then a junior high student, joined First United Methodist Church of Crown Point. She’s still there, busy as ever. A FUMC member for nearly 49 years, Meyer works part-time as the church’s director of outreach and missions. Among her responsibilities are mission outreach and family ministries, fellowship time, and new members. “That’s plenty,� said Meyer, who dropped another ministry, Buddy Bags, and started another, Community Help Network. A volunteer with that network, Meyer works to provide food for local students who, for the most part, are on the free and reduced lunch program. She and other volunteers provide meals and snacks for 448 students in elementary and middle school grades among eight schools in three school districts. Due to COVID-19 and virtual classroom settings, the revised program now provides some meals, but most of their students now receive supermarket gift cards. Meyer added that, during the quarantine, the network is researching other service areas, including the immediate needs of local citizens in a six township area.

“I can’t wait for this pandemic to be over, so we can get back to normal,â€? Meyer said. “I’ve been here so long, this church is like family. I feel I know everybody.â€? Another ministry impacted, but not stopped, by the coronavirus is FUMC’s international mission to Honduras. Since 2011, Meyer has taken local members to Roatan, an island off the north coast of the Central American country. The Crown Point church members helped build a church in Roatan. Now, due to the pandemic, FUMC provides supplies for food distribution. Another curtailed ministry is fellowship time. Prior to COVID-19, the church offered coffee and doughnuts before and after Sunday services. The coronavirus has put the temporary clamps on that, as Meyer “looks forwardâ€? to the return of socializing at the near-downtown faith community. Still, the Methodist community is far from idle these days. “I like to call us the ‘church that does,’â€? Meyer said. “We’re very busy.â€? In addition to a preschool, FUMC has been very active in the community, including fundraisers for local police and ďŹ re departments and a beneďŹ t for the community’s safe haven baby box. “We have lots of things for people to do,â€? Meyer said.

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6(59,1* 27+(56 Âł %RQQLH 0H\HU D PHPEHU RI )LUVW 8QLWHG 0HWKRGLVW &KXUFK RI &URZQ 3RLQW Ă€OOV DQRWKHU EXGG\ EDJ ZLWK IRRG DQG VQDFNV IRU DUHD VFKRRO FKLOGUHQ %XGG\ EDJV DUH QRZ SDUW RI &RPPXQLW\ +HOS 1HWZRUN DQ RUJDQL]DWLRQ 0H\HU IRXQGHG 3KRWR E\ 6WHYH (XYLQR “Families can choose what they want.â€? Meyer, who resides with her spouse, Karen Wyss, is the mother of two grown sons and has ďŹ ve grandchildren. She is also the author of a series of children’s books, “The Adventures of Kicker and Flinnder,â€? tales of a frog and buttery.

Meyer takes the expression “living your faith� to mean “every day I try to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. I’m looking for ways to help other people and share the love of Christ in what I say and do.� Meyer’s favorite passage from Scripture is Psalm 27,

Keep healthy with common sense %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Snife season is here, that time of year when we try to defend ourselves from the colds, coughing and running noses that surround us. The stubborn COVID-19 has added more hurdles in our struggle to survive. Not to mention the annual arrival of the u. Oldsters are under a darker shadow since they are more vulnerable to the coronavirus

than the younger population. Add to that the disabilities that grow as one ages — arthritis, joint and organ inammation, emphysema and autoimmune diseases that attack any and all parts of the body. The mantra — wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain distance, stay home if you’re sick — has been accepted as basic for protecting ourselves and our loved ones. But reports of opening and

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which begins: “The Lord is my light and salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?� “It talks about the Lord being my strength,� Meyer said. “I don’t rely on my personal skills. I look to the Lord for strength.�

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closing businesses, second and third waves, and conicting analyses and announcements by an array of politicians, medical experts and television talking heads can add to the confusion. Amid all this chatter is resistance to available medical defenses. Rightly or wrongly, only 30% of the population gets a u shot each year. And some folks are already proclaiming they won’t take a COVID-19 vaccine when it gets here. All this clamor can distract us from what we know about staying healthy. So here’s a friendly reminder of the basics: ¡ Get enough sleep. Eight hours every day. ¡ Eat right. Plenty of fruit and vegetables, as fresh as possible, should be in your daily diet. ¡ Stay active. A 10- or 15-minute daily walk works wonders. Just walk around the block! It’s not only healthy, you’ll get to know your neighbors. You’ll come to enjoy the time and might even decide to do it twice a day. As winter sets in, and snow and ice get in the way of this neighborhood jaunt, ďŹ nd a gym, community center or mall where you can walk safely each day. And as with anything involving your health and well-being, discuss all your problems and plans with your family doctor. Mature Life Features, copyright 2020

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December 2020 â– SENIOR LIFE â– 15

Paul McCartney claimed ‘It wasn’t fun anymore’ On the night of Dec. 27, 1960, — a chilly Tuesday evening — 1,500 music fans jammed into the spacious Litherland %\ 5$1'$/ Town Hall & +,// in Liverpool, England. Promotional posters promised fans a grand night

of dancing and rock ‘n’ roll, thanks to the debut of “the Sensational Beatles (Direct from Hamburg).â€? Attendees that night, who logically assumed that the band came from Germany, would remark later how good the quartet’s English skills were whenever the group members chatted with the audience. Actually, all four Beatles had grown up in Liverpool. For the previous ďŹ ve months, though, they had been playing long

St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary to offer virtual angel tree ceremony St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary will present its third annual Angel Tree of Lights ceremony as a pre-recorded event, set to debut Dec. 18. The Angel Tree of Lights fundraising campaign supports the auxiliary’s scholarship fund. Donors and honorees of the program will be the ďŹ rst to access the online ceremony link. The recording will feature presentations by auxiliary members, the listing of donors and honorees, as well as the lighting of the tree located in the west lobby of the hospital. Angels symbolizing the remembrance or honor of a loved one will also be hung on the tree and will remain in place throughout the holiday season. This year’s online version of the traditional in-person event was planned in consideration of the health and safety of the participants. Teresa Pedroza, director of mission integration and volunteers, said participation in the Angel Tree of Lights is important because so many people feel they need an angel in their life during these unprecedented times. “Hanging an angel on the tree to honor someone shines a light on their life and can represent special memories of those after they are gone,â€? she said. “In addition, the proceeds from this event beneďŹ t the St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship Fund. These scholarships help provide key sources of funding for students pursuing a degree in health care.â€? Anyone may honor a special person in their life with an angel on the tree. For a $10 donation, individuals, businesses and organizations can have an angel hung on the tree in memory or honor of a loved one. For a $25 donation, an angel is placed on the tree and an angel ornament is mailed to the home or made available for pickup. Donors are asked to submit an email to receive the link to view the Angel Tree of Lights event featuring Helen Engstrom, co-chair of the scholarship fund committee for St. Mary Medical Center. Appearing with her will be Melina Dixon, manager of volunteers,

St. Mary Medical Center. To learn more, call (219) 9476011. To download a donation form, visit COMHS.org/donate/ smmc.

sets of American Top 40 hits in bars and dance clubs in the gritty Reeperbahm district of Hamburg. In doing so, they had morphed from a ragtag bunch of minimally talented musicians into a respectable “cover� band that had become popular as headliners. Back at Litherland, as the Beatles waited behind a curtain drawn across the dance hall stage, the emcee snapped the crowd to attention with “And now, everybody, the band you’ve been waiting for! Direct from Hamburg —� But before the word “Beatles� could be uttered, a nervous Paul McCartney burst through the curtain, screaming his best high-octane Little Richard imitation: ‘I’m gonna tell Aunt Mary ‘bout Uncle John’ ‘He said he had the mis’ry but he got a lot of fun.’ “Long Tall Sally� instantly fueled the crowd’s rush to the stage to revel in the Beatles’

half-hour set as the leatherjacketed young artists staked their claim to history. According to numerous rock historians, “Beatlemaniaâ€? was ushered in that night. Within two years, the Fab Four became UK stars, and by 1964 they ruled the international pop music world. Flash forward to Aug. 29, 1966. The Beatles are scheduled to play a concert at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. Fans headed to that performance don’t realize that this will be the ďŹ nal live show of the quartet’s career. (The foursome will keep the announcement to themselves until they return to England.) Who could blame the band for their decision? Worldwide fame, it seemed, had robbed the musicians of everything enjoyable about performing before an audience. The group’s powerful Vox amps had become all but useless against the

nightly screamfest that rolled over the band like an oceanic tide. So pronounced was John Lennon’s malaise that he had begun calling the Beatles’ live act a “freak show.â€? Ringo Starr offered no argument. (“Nobody was listening at the shows.â€?) Even normally positive Paul McCartney confessed, “It wasn’t fun anymore.â€? That night at Candlestick Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team, the Beatles performed on an elevated platform erected over second base and surrounded by a chain-link fence for their last live gig. The world’s leading rockers, amid chilly swirls of fog, performed their ďŹ nal concert in a cage. Their show, as usual, ran half an hour, and the last song sung was “Long Tall Sally.â€? For those who could hear him, it was said that Paul McCartney had never sounded better.

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16 â– SENIOR LIFE â– December 2020

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Health & Fitness

Adapting to the holiday season %\ %2% )5$1.2 0%$ 3UHVLGHQW &(2 91$ RI 1RUWKZHVW ,QGLDQD All of us have lost someone and experienced the “year of ďŹ rsts.â€? We know what it’s like to go through those ďŹ rst holidays, birthdays and anniversaries; for some these are happy – if not bittersweet

– dates to reect and share memories. For others, though, the ďŹ rst Christmas or ďŹ rst birthday without their loved one rekindles the grief they felt at the time of the loss. This year has certainly been unique for all of us as we’ve had to rethink our holidays and other celebrations. Whereas Thanksgiving

may have traditionally meant a house full of family and outof-towners, for many this year it was scaled back signiďŹ cantly. The same will hold true for many of us at Christmas as well. The effect for many is similar to the grief we feel during the year of ďŹ rsts. It’s sad; we miss our family gatherings and being together.

COVID scams on seniors In today’s digital world, it seems there is always a new scam out there where criminals are seeking to steal one’s identity or get their hands on banking information. Unfortunately, elderly individuals are the most frequent targets of fraud scams. Many fraud schemes against the elderly are performed over the telephone, door-to-door or through advertisements. Those over the age of 65 are more likely to have been scammed than someone in their 40s. Top COVID Scams On Seniors • Checks from the government. They tell you that you have a stimulus check from the government looking to get your bank information. Government never asks for bank

information over the phone. Never. • Donations to charities. Corrupt outďŹ ts will appear to facilitate honest efforts, such as raising money for those in need or distributing medical supplies. It’s difďŹ cult to refrain as the scam involves using the local community as a backdrop to their scheme. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau, www. give.org or www.charitywatch. org. • Online phishing scams and fake email. Phishing scams are used to gain personal information, such as Social Security numbers and banking information. Never click on attached links. Go to the website directly, if you know the institution. • Medicare. Fraudsters pose

as Medicare representatives to get seniors to give them their personal information, such as their Medicare identiďŹ cation number. The fraudster uses this information to bill Medicare for fraudulent services and then pockets the money. Don’t share any information. • Counterfeit prescription drugs. Unfortunately, fraudsters are aware of this and set up websites that advertise cheap prescription drugs, which are usually counterfeit. Go to reliable sources or call a doctor’s ofďŹ ce for cheaper alternatives. Housecall Doctors, P.C., provides at-home medical and podiatry care for elderly and homebound patients. For information, visit www.housecalldoc.org or call toll free at (800) 945-4654.

Community Hospital among first in state to receive coronovirus vaccine Munster’s Community Hospital is one of ďŹ ve health care facilities in Indiana to receive the ďŹ rst doses of a COVID-19 vaccine this month, according to Indiana State Department of Health ofďŹ cials. The announcement was made during the governor’s weekly coronavirus news conference Nov. 11

in Indianapolis. Community Hospital was chosen as a pilot site based on its ability to store the ďŹ rst doses from PďŹ zer at super subzero cold temperatures reaching minus 60 to minus 80 degrees Celsius. In accordance with federal and state guidelines,

initial supplies of vaccines are reserved for front-line workers, including health care workers, ďŹ rst responders and those at highest risk. A more widely available vaccine to the general public is still a few months away. For more information about COVID-19 precautions and safeguards at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System, visit www.COMHS. org/coronavirus. The hospitals include: Community Hospital, Munster; St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago; St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart; and Community Stroke and Rehabilitation Center, Crown Point.

The good news on both accounts is that it gets better. This year, when it’s impossible to gather due to COVID-19, there are still alternatives and new ways to share and enjoy each other: • Use Zoom or Skype to include each other from either across town or across the country. • Trade time-honored recipes and challenge each other to prepare them as good as mom or grandma. • Host virtual “‘Twas The Night Before Christmasâ€? or

Healthy choice Every Sunday morning, we Zoom with our fellow church members. We begin by praying ‌ that the link will ,1 $ work. I don’t 1876+(// like Zoom. I %\ ',&. always fear :2/)6,( I’ll end up in the center square and I’m not as funny as Paul Lynde on Hollywood Squares. Or worse, I’ll be in a bottom square and I’m not as good looking as the father on the Brady Bunch. It’s good to see everyone, although some people just put up a photo of themselves because they are having a bad hair year. I have two problems. First, I hate being on camera. That’s exactly what I did for 40 years on TV, but I made my photographer pull way back once I turned 65. I wanted viewers to know they were still watching the news and not a rerun of “The Walking Dead.â€? When we have Wi-Fi issues during Zoom services, my face freezes and people don’t know if I’m thinking about the sermon or have just fallen asleep. One of the newer church members forgot to mute herself and said to her husband, “He had a lot more personality on TV.â€? Not only that, but I slouch,

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nativity readings. • Take the opportunity to plan for an even bigger and better celebration next year, maybe a family vacation or cruise, when it’s safe. • Do a mail cookie exchange. Of course, none of this replaces our traditional celebrations, but at least for this year we have to adapt and reframe it to make the best of it. It will make for a great memory to talk about in better years down the road. Happy holidays, friends.

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so I look like I married a younger woman — and one who’s two feet taller than I am. And then, all you can see is the very top of my head. I know this because several people have texted my wife and asked her why my hairline receded so much during the pandemic. We sometimes use Facetime. We never know whether to choose the vertical or horizontal orientation on the phone. Mary Ellen and I sat on the couch once and experimented with different positions. (That sounds like a lot more fun than it was.) Last week, we decided to Facetime with our friends the Goslings at dinnertime and enjoy our meals while we chatted. The Goslings heated a pizza they bought from Trader Joe’s. We picked one up from a local pizzeria. I’m not a competitive person, but our pizza looked a lot tastier than theirs, meaning it was greasier and less healthy. Without any warning, Dan reached out of frame for a garden salad they had prepared. Mary Ellen immediately switched off the camera. “What are you doing?â€? I asked my wife. “I’m so embarrassed. They are having vegetables. We just have pizza. This is not good for my reputation as a health-conscious person. They have green food,â€? she said. “All our food is red and brown.â€? “It’s a pepperoni pizza, dear. And I’m sure the Goslings won’t even notice.â€? “Of course they will! See how thin and ďŹ t they both are? I bet they even have spinach on their pizza. This is so humiliating.â€? With that, Mary Ellen ran to the fridge, returning to the conversation a few seconds later with a coffee mug ďŹ lled with a healthy side dish. “I’m sorry,â€? she said to Dan and Noelle. “I forgot the carrot sticks. We eat carrot sticks at every meal. Even breakfast. And between meals. And that darn pizza place forgot to put the broccoli and cauliower on my half of the pizza.â€? We had a lovely dinner. The Goslings were so much fun to talk to, even though they were in a vegetative state.

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December 2020 â– SENIOR LIFE â– 17

Health & Fitness

Fruits, veggies and the holidays

After a most beautiful fall and Indian summer, we are settling into the whirlwind called “the holidays,â€? which would normally consist of more social engagements, family gatherings and a party atmosphere from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, but ‌ yep, we are still in the COVID-19 season that will last into 2021. OK, so gatherings will be smaller and you won’t have to bake, and eat the usual holiday fair and put on the holiday 10 pounds. This year, you can start your New Year’s resolution early and make healthy side dishes and desserts that won’t leave you feeling like you need a nap. In your everyday planning consider how you can get more fruits and vegetables into your dishes. Adding vegetables will displace higher calorie foods. A few examples would be: Breakfast Add veggies to potatoes. Have a fruit bowl instead of a piece of fruit so you get the nutrients of each type. Add fruit to your oatmeal. Add a smashed banana to your oatmeal as it cooks to give it a smooth banana avor and more nutrients. Add raw greens like kale or spinach to your smoothie. Lunch When making soup or stews mince up some extra onion, celery and carrots and put them in the pot to help thicken, avor and again, add nutrients. Create a veggie sandwich or add a mound of veggies on your sandwich to get your raw cruciferous veggies in for the day. Make a side dish of fruit or raw veggies instead of chips. Add fruit or a serving of raw broccoli to your salad. Dinner Add chopped veggies to your spaghetti sauce and serve over spaghetti squash.

Turn your chili into veggie chili with celery, carrots and corn. Add extra veggies to potato salad like grated carrots, chopped cauliower and pickles. Grate carrots and zucchini into just about any casserole. This week I made a turkey meatloaf for my husband and it wasn’t until he was eating the leftovers that he noticed vegetables inside the meatloaf because I had minced them ďŹ ne before adding them and did not have to use breadcrumbs or crackers to bind the meat. Sneaky, right? Every bite counts and if you ďŹ ll up on veggies and fruit you will eat less of the high calorie foods. Remember that enjoying the holidays doesn’t have to mean a food free-for-all. Keep your senses so you won’t have to play the regret game come January. Wishing you all good health, happiness and God’s blessings. Vegan Vegetable Chili Ingredients: 1 large yellow onion, diced. 2 large bell peppers, any color, diced. 2 medium carrots, diced. 2 stalks celery, diced. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tablespoons chili powder. 1 tablespoon ground cumin. 2 teaspoons dried oregano. 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, preferably ďŹ re-roasted (do not drain). 2 (4-ounce) cans roasted green chilies, undrained-optional. 2 (15- to 15.5-ounce) cans beans, such as pinto, black, kidney, cannellini or garbanzo, drained and rinsed. 1 to 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided. 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained or 1 cup frozen. Water sautĂŠ using a few tablespoons of water — add the onion, bell peppers, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano and stir to coat veggies. Add the tomatoes and their juices, green chilies, beans and 1 cup of the broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat as needed and simmer uncovered until the chili thickens to your liking, 30 to 40 minutes.

If you prefer a looser chili, add up to 1 cup more broth. Add the corn and stir to combine. Note: I will often add a 12 ounce can of V8 as part of my broth for extra avor and nutrients. Add salt and pepper at table. Feel free to add any other vegetables such as diced cauliower, green beans or believe it or not — radishes. Radishes very much take the place of potatoes when slow cooked. Add any desired toppings. Adapted from thekitchn.com. 9(*(7$%/(6 ',63/$&( +,*+(5 &$/25,( )22'6 ³ 7U\ D YHJDQ YHJHWDEOH FKLOL WKLV ZLQWHU LQ \RXU HYHU\GD\ SODQ QLQJ WR FRQVLGHU KRZ \RX FDQ JHW PRUH IUXLWV DQG YHJHWDEOHV LQWR \RXU GLVKHV $GGLQJ YHJHWDEOHV ZLOO GLVSODFH KLJKHU FDORULH IRRGV

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18 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ December 2020

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Prepare for flu season during COVID-19: tips for older adults (NewsUSA) With COVID-19 still looming this fall, the upcoming flu season will be more challenging and complicated than in years past. Flu vaccine manufacturers recently projected they will provide as many as 198 million doses this year, surpassing the record set by last winter’s flu season (175 million doses). “While questions remain about exactly what this year’s flu season will look like, one thing is very clear: Older adults are particularly vulnerable and more at risk

for related complications that could lead to hospitalization,” says LaNita Knoke, a registered nurse and health care strategist at Home Instead Senior Care. “Whether you are a member of the aging population or you care for someone who falls into that category, it is critical to take every necessary precaution this year to protect yourself from flu.” Similar to COVID-19, influenza presents serious health concerns for individuals 65 years and older, especially

those with preexisting conditions such as asthma, diabetes, COPD and heart disease. It’s important for older adults to take preventive measures and understand key symptoms of the flu, as well as how they differ from COVID-19. Knoke encourages older adults and their families to prepare for flu season with the following suggestions: 1. Get the flu shot. A simple precaution can be a great act of love for not only yourself, but your community. Get the Continued on page 19

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December 2020 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 19

Prepare for flu Continued from page 18 flu shot as early as possible to help reduce the strain on health care systems grappling with COVID-19. Not only can it protect you and others from a preventable disease and its potentially serious complications -- it can lessen the severity of symptoms, should you contract the flu. Contact a health care provider, local urgent care clinic or pharmacy to see if they are administering the vaccine and consider making an appointment to avoid long wait times.

2. Prepare your immune system. It’s no surprise that our immune defense systems become weaker as we age. However, there are simple, proactive ways to strengthen our immune systems today in order to give ourselves the best chance at staying healthy tomorrow. Staying active with daily walks or yoga can help our bodies ward off illnesses, such as COVID-19 and influenza. 3. Get a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep decreases one’s ability to fight off viruses.

Consider adding a humidifier to your indoor environment during the winter months and peak flu season. By increasing water vapor in the air, you can reduce the potential for flu symptoms, speed up recovery and ward off future illnesses. Give your body proper time to rest in the right environment, and you’ll see positive returns for your overall health. 4. Maintain a healthy diet. Eating nutrient-rich meals is another way to protect your immune system against common illnesses. Fuel your

body with nutritious foods that contain a high number of vitamins and antioxidants, such as broccoli, tomatoes and strawberries. Consider speaking with your general practitioner or meeting with a dietitian to help build a meal plan that’s right for you. 5. Know the difference. While both influenza and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses that share many of the same symptoms (such as a fever, cough, body aches or fatigue), there are a few key differences to keep

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20 â– SENIOR LIFE â– December 2020

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221 W. Division Road, Demotte, IN 46310 (219) 987-7005 • www.oakgrovecrv.org

Skilled Licensed Nursing Care, Long Term And Rehabilitation, Physical, Occupational, And Speech Therapies, Specialized Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Unit, Private And Semi-Private Rooms, Certified Medicare And Medicaid Provider, Assisted Living And Independent Living Apartment Homes Also Available

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Advertise Your Community Here! Reaches YOUR Target Market Adults 50 Years and Better Contact Becky For More Details! 219.254.2345 slwest@the-papers.com • www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

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December 2020 â– SENIOR LIFE â– 21

83'$7(6 +$33(1,1*6 ,1 7+( $5($ Send listings of events, hosted by nonproďŹ t organizations, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, by Dec. 23 for January events. With listing, include contact person and a phone number. (EDITOR’S NOTE: The calendar is listing regularly scheduled events. Due to COVID-19, events may be cancelled or postponed. Please reach out to the sponsoring agencies to verify if the events are still being held.) Bonner Senior Center — Monday: Massage 9 a.m., yoga 9:45 a.m., ďŹ tness 10:30 a.m., Choraleers 12:30 p.m., Zumba 2 p.m. Tuesday: Fitness 10:30 a.m., dancing 12:30 p.m., pinochle, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday: Fitness 10:30 a.m., bunco 12:30 p.m., bridge 12:30 p.m. Thursday: Fitness 10:30 a.m., bingo noon, dancing 1 p.m. Friday: Fitness 10:30 a.m., shopping 12:15 p.m., bingo 12:30 p.m. Bonner Senior Center is located at 5800 Lexington Ave., Portage, (219) 762-1522. Maria Reiner Center — Monday: Pickleball 8:30 a.m., stretching class 9 a.m., smart phone class 10:30 a.m., ukulele 11 a.m., pinochle 11 a.m., bocce ball noon, oil painting 12:30 p.m., beginner computer class 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday: Pickleball 8:30-11:30 a.m., breakfast 9-11 a.m. ($3), blood pressure checks 10 a.m. to noon (ďŹ rst and third Tuesday), dominos 10 a.m., walking club 10 a.m. to noon, genealogy 10 a.m., tournament pool play 10 a.m., jam session 11 a.m., Mah Jongg (experienced play) 11:15 a.m., ping pong play noon. Wednesday: Experienced art class 8:30 a.m., pickleball 8:30 a.m., stretch plus 9 a.m., hand and foot 10 a.m. (ďŹ rst Wednesday), scrapbooking class 10 a.m., bean bag toss noon,

movie and popcorn noon, beginner art class 12:30 p.m., euchre lessons and play 1 p.m. Thursday: Pickleball 8:30-11:30 a.m., bridge lessons (intermediate and advanced) 9 a.m., Y cardio 9:30 a.m., lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($3), ping pong play noon, tournament pool play noon, canasta 12:30 p.m., bridge play 1 p.m., dominos 1 p.m., The Bible as Literature 1 p.m., Happy Hookers and Naughty Knitters 2 p.m. Friday: Yoga 8:30 a.m., pickleball 8:30 a.m., darts 11 a.m., bridge play 12:30 p.m., bunco (every ďŹ rst and third Friday) 12:30 p.m., bingo (every second and fourth Friday) 12:30 p.m., Ask the Doc computer class 1-3 p.m. Plus many special classes and presentations. $3 daily visitation fee for nonmembers. Interested in a membership? Call (219) 947-1864 or visit 705 E. Fourth St., Hobart. For more information, visit www.hobartseniors.com. AARP — Crown Point Chapter No. 3210 meets at 12:30 p.m. every fourth Monday at the Crown Point Civic Center, 101 S. East St. Guests and new members welcomed. Various speakers and informative topics. Dues are $5 per year. Light refreshments. For details, contact Sue Mick at (219) 689-9168. Hebron Seniors Activity Center — Blood pressure screening noon ďŹ rst Wed.; birthday celebrations ďŹ rst Wed.; monthly meeting third Wed.; volunteer opportunity third Thurs. (contact site coordinators Edwin and Ruby Montgomery for more details). Center is open to anyone for bingo or playing cards from 9 a.m. to noon MondayFriday. Located at 611 Main St., Hebron, (219) 996-5892. New Friends — New

Friends, a club for single people 60 years and older, meets every Thursday to socialize and play cards. Members go to restaurants, plays, movies, have a yearly picnic, anniversary dinner and a Christmas party. Meetings are held at White Funeral Home, 921 W. 45th Ave., GrifďŹ th. For more information, call Marge at (219) 201-4174 or Barb at (219) 838-5415. Thursday Threaders — 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Thurs. at GrifďŹ th Public Library, 45th and Colfax. Bring your own project to work on while enjoying coffee, snacks and the company of others. Call (219) 838-2825. AARP — Gary Chapter No. 4387 meets each month at noon the second Thursday (JanuaryJune and September-December) at St. Timothy Community Church, 1600 W. 25th Ave., Gary. Refreshments served. Guests and new members are always welcome. Dues $15 per year. Must belong to National AARP or join. Very informative guest speakers regarding senior concerns. For more information, contact Minnie Porter, president, at (219) 882-3093. St. John Lions Club — Seeking donations of old eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids. Drop-off sites: Standard Bank, Route 41; Community Outpatient Clinic, Route 41; Stop and Shop; St. John Library; The Hammond Clinic, Route 41; Boric Religious Store, Thiel Street; St. John Town Hall, 93rd Avenue; VFW Post 717, 93rd Avenue. Whiting Lions Club — Seeking donations of old eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids. Drop off in yellow collection box on 119th Street, Whiting.

Highland Lions Club — Seeking donations of old eyeglasses. Drop-off sites are: Town Hall, 3333 Ridge Road; Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St.; Centier Bank, 9701 Indianapolis Blvd.; McColly Realty, 2002 45th St.;

Dr. Ligget, 2940 Highway Ave.; Family Eye Care, 8417 Kennedy Ave.; and Johnson Opticians, 8128 Kennedy Ave., Highland. If interested in becoming a Lion, contact Tim Tintor at (219) 8388756.

Colorful tree lights glow with the hope of a cancer-free future For the past 20 years, the Lights of Life trees outside Community Hospital, Munster, have been illuminated and serve as a reminder of the journey of hope that goes along with a cancer diagnosis. This year, the lights shine on despite the pandemic although changes have been made to the outdoor lighting ceremony. For the health and safety of participants, donors and their honorees will be invited after Dec. 2 to view a virtual tree lighting. “Participation in these uncertain times is more important than ever before to show support for those on a cancer journey so they know that they are not alone,� said Marie D. Macke, administrator of Community Health Care System’s Cancer Care Center. “It brings us together for a common goal and inspires hope.� Each brilliant pink and lavender light on the Lights of Life trees represents a donation made to the Community Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. The foundation supports important cancer research initiatives that improve the community’s access to the latest advances in prevention, detection and treatment of

breast and other cancers. The pink trees represent those with breast cancer and the lavender trees symbolize all types of cancer. Much of the online ceremony will be the same as the actual ceremony at Community Hospital’s outpatient entrance in years past. Speakers for the virtual event include Community Health Care System radiologist Jonathan Lee, M.D. and St. Catherine Hospital CEO Leo Correa. Musical performances at the ceremony include a solo by Krystal Kadar Quagliara and pre-recorded selections by the Munster High School’s chorale group, directed by Luke McGinnis. The Lights of Life program began in 2000. To date, the Lights of Life program has raised more than $250,000 to bring cancer research programs to people in northwest Indiana. Cards and pins will be sent out until Dec. 31. All donations to the program are tax deductible and are used to sponsor local research trials for area patients. For more information on this program, call (219) 836-6875. Donations are also accepted online at www.myccrf.com.

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22 â– SENIOR LIFE â– December 2020

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Mishawaka and Gary —

Two veterans of the WWII PaciďŹ c Theater 7H[W DQG SKRWR E\ 3$6725 *5(* /$:621 0 0LQ 06: *XHVW :ULWHU (EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of a two-part series.) —o— While World War II Mishawaka veteran Ray Gervais was involved with his own Navy assignments in Okinawa, Gary’s own Johnny Bushemi was on the front lines as the Marines and soldiers fought to take control of many Japanese-held islands in the PaciďŹ c Theater of war. Staff Sgt. Bushemi was a worldwide known Army photographer, mainly for Yank magazine. For this Army paper, he would take photos of the troops in action and scenes of their daily lives and hardships. Bushemi was right on the front lines many times which put him at risk of his own life as much as the troops before him. Bushemi was not a

combat soldier, per se, but was right behind the combat men as they landed and advanced into battle; his camera capturing the action all the way. There were many times Bushemi would photograph Marines and soldiers after the battles on various islands. One such battle was the Battle of Hastings Ridge. While Bushemi did his job of photography, his partner, Mack Morriss, wrote the story that was sent back to Yank magazine with Bushemi’s photos. After the Battle of Hastings Ridge, the story and photos appeared in Yank magazine “on Nov. 19, 1943,â€? as “The ďŹ ve-day attack on Hastings Ridge.â€? One week later on “Nov. 26, 1943,â€? another story appeared in Yank magazine as “Jungle Mop-Up.â€? Right after the Battle of Hastings Ridge, Bushemi took at least two photos of Staff Sgt. Clarence Terry of Arco, Idaho, as he cleaned the jungle dirt from his nails with his trench knife. Bushemi also took a photo of

Terry holding the steel helmet of Ervin Bonow after a Japanese grenade hit it. Bonow was laying in a fox hole with his helmet between his legs. When the grenade exploded, almost half his calf muscles were torn off. It’s not known if Bonow survived his injury. This writer is not sure exactly where the Battle of Hastings Ridge took place as far as what island group. Does any reader know? (Further information welcome to: Pastor/Dr. Greg Lawson, 1801 E. 3rd St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.) &200(025$7,9( %22. Âł 6KRZQ LV \HDU ROG 1DY\ YHW HUDQ 5D\ *HUYDLV KROGLQJ D FRP PHPRUDWLYH ERRN FRQWDLQLQJ WKH SKRWRV WDNHQ E\ -RKQ %XVKHPL 7KH OHIW SDJH VKRZV &ODUHQFH 7HUU\ FOHDQLQJ KLV QDLOV RI MXQJOH GLUW ZLWK KLV ´WUHQFK NQLIH Âľ 7KH ULJKW SDJH VKRZV 7HUU\ KROGLQJ D VWHHO KHOPHW RI (UYLQ %RQRZ DIWHU LW ZDV KLW E\ D -DSDQHVH JUHQDGH

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Jean and Virgil Gassoway from Chesterton enjoyed a 5-week cruise around South America and Antarctica. Falkland Islands, in the South Atlantic Ocean, is one of the stops they plucked their Northwest Senior Life newspaper out and posed for a picture. This group of 778 islands has a controversial history. With both Argentina and the UK assuming the land was theirs, an undeclared war developed in the 1980s, resulting in a British victory. Most come to this group of islands to see the wildlife: seals, whales, sea lions and penguins. The penguin population outnumbers the people population. Shipwreck diving, birdwatching and fishing expeditions draw the tourists as well. The mountainous and hilly landscape makes for great vistas, especially since the islands are treeless. Stanley, the capitol of the Falkland Islands, accounts for about 72% of the population of the group of islands. Even then, only approximately 3,000 residents dot the entire country. Places to visit in Stanley include the Historic Dockyard Museum, Falkland Island Totem Pole, the Gnome Garden at Kay’s B&B, the Shipwreck of Lady Elizabeth and Christ Church Cathedral, unusual for its whale jawbone arched entrance. Farther out, travelers enjoy Bertha’s Beach, a penguin populated beach and Boot Hill, a mysterious assortment of footwear atop stakes. Being a British territory, the official language is English. Thank you Gassoways for sharing your adventure with Senior Life.

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Eat your veggies to stay hydrated %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV An increasingly familiar sight is that of individuals carrying a bottle of water somewhere. It’s a good reminder to themselves, and to us observers, to drink enough water to maintain a healthy body and lifestyle. Medical experts as well as health fanatics badger us to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. That’s two quarts. Studies indicate as much as 75% of the population exhibits some level of dehydration. Lack of sufďŹ cient water in your system can leave you light-headed and lead to loss of balance and even losing touch with reality. The medical community has softened up a bit and identiďŹ ed enjoyable means of maintaining a healthy liquid intake. Along with water, coffee, tea, fruit juice and even soft drinks are acceptable ways to hydrate our bodies. Even better, according to recent reports, is to munch on plant food. You can adjust whatever vegetable you pick — carrots, cucumbers, kale, tomatoes, beets or sweet potatoes — to your taste by packing them into a blender and making a smoothie. Toss in an orange, apple, banana or berries to sweeten it to your taste. For your snacks during the day, have a pear, wedge of lettuce or a slice of watermelon. Mature Life Features, copyright 2020

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

December 2020 â– SENIOR LIFE â– 23

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Mixing horticulture and culture

One of the leading cultural destinations in the Midwest is just a few hours away in Grand Rapids, Mich. It’s the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park that includes a botanical garden, a Japanese garden, children’s garden, a sculpture park, natural wetlands and an amphitheater that hosts concerts featuring major artists. *5($7 While exploring the sculpture (6&$3(6 collection, visitors will come across %\ 52' .,1* works by the likes of Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, Roxy Pain and many more. In fact, the collection has works of more than 200 internationally-acclaimed artists. But Meijer Gardens is not just for art and plant lovers. It’s a place for family fun, as well. Sculptures of a couple of huge bears greet visitors to the children’s garden. Here there are a number of speciďŹ c areas on different subjects ranging from the Great Lakes garden to a winding sculpture walk that promotes curiosity and exploration. It’s dotted with animal sculptures and works made of bicycle parts that look like animals. They even provide live entertainment spring, summer and fall. Another great stop is Michigan’s Farm Garden complete with 1930s era farmhouse, barn, windmill, sugar shack and, of course, ower and vegetable gardens. One of the most outstanding venues is the 8-acre Japanese garden that effectively uses space to highlight contrasts between still and rushing water, quietly intimate and expansive open spaces and manicured and natural areas. Contemporary sculptures are placed throughout the garden. Some of the plants, like bamboo and Japanese maple, are from Japan. Most, however, are native Michigan species. Inside, the 15,000-square-foot, ďŹ ve-story tall Tropical Conservatory features a rock landscape with waterfall and owing creek and a variety of exotic plants from around the world. Next to it is the arid/ desert garden, carnivorous plant house and a greenhouse which changes its ower displays with the seasons. March and April is a great time to escape the cold and mingle with more than 7,000 butteries ying freely in the Tropical Conservatory. A brand new, 60,000-square-foot welcome center is presently under construction and is expected to be open in mid-2021. It’s all part of a $115 million expansion and renovation project that includes a transportation center, learning center and rooftop sculpture garden. Meijer Gardens is open year-round and goes all out on its holiday decorations. Brightly lit and beautifully decorated trees celebrating traditions of countries from around the world turn it into a magical place. Visitors will ďŹ nd an amazingly intricate model railroad display and they can bundle up and take a tram ride through a winter wonderland. Admission is $11 for seniors (65 +), $14.50 for adults (14–64), children (5-13) $7, children (3–4) $4 and children (2 and under) free. Hours are 9 a.m. to

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and three hours taking in the unique art and the beautiful ower displays. And while there, have an enjoyable lunch in the cafÊ under an extensive Dale Chihuly glass sculpture on the ceiling. The gardens are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Merry Christmas!

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24 â– SENIOR LIFE â– December 2020

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Dinner raises money to support VNA Meals on Wheels Don Quijote Restaurant, Valparaiso, and its patrons have raised more than $60,000 to support VNA Meals on Wheels program. Due to COVID, the program recently saw a 57% increase in need and needed a new walkin refrigerator to meet the additional demand. The funds raised will allow the program to serve 300 Porter County seniors daily with meal delivery and wellness checkups. “We can’t thank the community enough for coming together to accomplish this goal,� said Kim Olesker, president and CEO of United Way of Porter County. “Feeding residents who have never needed assistance before is just one of the many needs that has arisen since COVID began.� VNA Meals on Wheels is

a partnership between VNA of Northwest Indiana, Pines Village Retirement Communities and United Way of Porter County. Thanks to a matching grant opportunity through United Way of Porter County, a portion of the proceeds will support other community feeding programs as well. “Crises either splinter communities or pull us together,� said Bob Franko, president and CEO of VNA of Northwest Indiana. “Coming together often takes the courage and leadership of key groups and people. I’m so proud of our United Way of Porter County in uniting us to do all we can to keep our families and friends safe.� To learn more about what United Way is doing and to donate, visit www.unitedwaypc. org.

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Adult virtual programs at LCPL Lake County Public Library is offering the following virtual programs for adults this month. Registration is required for all programs. Visit www.lcplin.org/events or call (219) 769-3541. “Monarch Buttery Migrationâ€? is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dec. 10, Lake

County Public Library’s Zoom room. Take a live tour of the largest winter site for monarch butteries migrating in the United States as users visit Oceano Dunes. You need an email address to register and attend. Hobart’s virtual book chat is from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Dec. 15, Hobart branch via Zoom. The December title is “The Five People You Meet in Heaven� by Mitch Albom. Pick up a copy by using Hobart’s curbside service and join users for a virtual chat. Contact hobart@lcplin.org for event details. “Mysteries of the Deep: Dis-

cover an Underwater World� is from 4-5 p.m. Dec. 15, Lake County Public Library’s Zoom room. Join rangers on a virtual live trip to the depths of the ocean using underwater robots and see what creatures lurk there. You must have an email address to register. “Warning: Volcanic Hazards

Stay warm & cozy this winter at ...

Ahead� is from 11-11:30 a.m. Dec. 16, Lake County Public Library’s Zoom room. How can anyone tell when a volcano is about to erupt? Join rangers who work on Mount Rainier, a volcano in Washington state, facing this possibility every day. You need an email address to sign up.

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