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Rice & Rice Salutes Our Great Veterans! From A Grateful Nation: THANK YOU!

Elder Law and Medicaid Planning Advertising Material

Cliff Rice

Elder Law Attorney

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Vol. 25, No. 2

Mayy 2021

(219) 462-0809

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

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Railway Garden volunteers aid staff in EULQJLQJ WUDLQ KLVWRU\ WR OLIH 7H[W DQG SKRWRV %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU That Railway Garden at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest is more than just a huge train set. It’s a testament to the dedication of staff and volunteers who’ve been working to open historical dioramas operational by May. “I like the historical vignettes,” said Dave Simkowski, operator of the Railway Garden that was dedicated June 4, 2011. “It shows the history of the country from 1860 to the 1920s.” Speciﬁcally, the dioramas depict the impact of steam locomotion on this country. This includes the Civil War, Lincoln’s funeral train, Native Americans, prairie and farm towns, lumber camp, limestone quarry,

coal mining, urban center and stockyards. Simkowski, other staff and volunteers were repairing, repainting and touching up ﬁgurines brought in for winter. A basement workshop is loaded with more trains, ﬁgurines and other materials for the Railway Garden. “We’re really dependent on volunteers,” said Simkowski, a Valparaiso resident. He’s been at the railway site for nine years, having started as a volunteer. Chatting with a visitor from Alabama, Simkowski noted the number of train set fans who stop by. He thought about getting into miniature trains, “but it can get quite expensive,” he noted. “That’s why I’m enjoying this one.” Two volunteers enjoying the train site are Mark Pleitner of

Valparaiso and Ray Wilkinson of Crown Point. Pleitner, a volunteer for four years, describes himself as a “handyman who likes getting involved in these projects.” Pleitner has dabbled in model trains, adding, “I enjoy this one.” For the record, the Railway Garden boasts 3,100 feet of track, 850 tons of Missouri limestone, 14 feet of elevation change, 1,486 cubic yards of soil, seven train loops, room for 12 train engines, 30 handcrafted wooden and metal bridges, six water features cycling 120 gallons of water per minute, and hundreds of dwarf and miniature conifers. Wilkinson, a pharmacist, has been volunteering for nearly a decade. “I like sitting around, watchContinued on page 2

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2 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ May 2021

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Key Positions

Pandemic created new challenges for hotel manager %\ &$55,( 67(,1:(* )HDWXUH :ULWHU In hotel management, it’s rare to ﬁnd someone who is still in that position at the same hotel after a quarter century. Lisa Gibson is one of those rare individuals. For the past 25 years, she has been the general manager at the Comfort Inn in Hammond. The job is one that covers a myriad of duties that range from ones you’d expect to ﬁnd in the job description to helping to pitch in to cover other tasks when the need is there — everything from booking rooms to housekeeping. Gibson said her job entails “everything” from sales, human resources, training, accounts payable and receivable, ordering supplies, online training and biweekly revenue management calls, along with daily communication with the revenue manager, cleaning rooms or any part of the hotel that is needed. Before working at the hotel, Gibson had worked mostly in retail. She applied for an ac-

counts payable, receivable job back when the business was a 200-room hotel with a banquet space, restaurant and bar. She worked in that position for about four years before becoming general manager. The hotel has since scaled back to an 86room limited service hotel. The hotel industry has been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic. “It’s been the first time in my career that I ever had to lay off people. I did not like doing that at all. I really feel for employers who have to do that on a regular basis,” said Gibson. The pandemic caused many changes and challenges. “It was hard trying to get supplies, whether gloves, masks or let’s not forget toilet paper,” she said. “Then there were shipping issues with where we get things such as towels; never in my career has it been difficult to get towels or pillow cases. It just didn’t end.” Along with those difficulties came the need to “keep employees and guests feeling and being safe throughout this.” The efforts were met with mixed

reactions from guests. “Some told us we were doing a great job, others said we took it too far because the virus isn’t real and we were just using that as an excuse not to serve a buffet breakfast so we could save money and then there were others who had no opinion,” said Gibson. Overall, though, guests are friendly. Gibson said meeting new people every day is the best part of her job. “It’s rewarding when guests have a great stay and let us know either verbally or by writing a review,” she added. Even in normal times, there’s a careful balance to try and maintain between the hospitality aspect and the production part of it, Gibson explained, and there can be a lot of juggling to make sure that guests have a good experience. Gibson, a widow, lost her husband of 38 years to cancer. She enjoys time with her pets, nieces and nephews and being active with dance classes, jogging, workouts, gardening, reading, church and being a sports spectator (she’s a life-

TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?

A chronic condition may call for a special health plan

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

A Humana Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (CSNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan available to those with qualifying health conditions, which may include chronic lung disorders, speciﬁc types of diabetes and other severe or disabling conditions. Get all the coverage you qualify for and much more with a Humana Medicare Advantage plan:

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*Available only through participating retailers and Humana’s mail-order pharmacy, Humana Pharmacy®; always consult with your doctor or medical provider before taking over-the-counter medications. Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus - Diabetes and Heart (HMO C-SNP). At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 넑⚥ 俑 (Chinese): 岣䠐㥴卓䝟⢪ 欽넑⚥俑 䝟〳⟃⯝顤栻䖤铂鎉⸔剪⹡ կ荜ꨵ 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) կ Y0040_GHHJ4H7TE21_M

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/21*7,0( 0$1$*(5 ³ /LVD *LEVRQ LV WKH JHQHUDO PDQDJHU DW WKH &RPIRUW ,QQ LQ +DPPRQG 6KH KDV EHHQ WKH PDQDJHU IRU WKH SDVW \HDUV 3KRWR SURYLGHG long Chicago Cubs fan). Over the years, she has served on various chamber and church boards, including past president of the Highland Chamber of Commerce and serving on the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “I have been very blessed to have some really awesome employees through the years.

No manager can run a hotel on their own. It takes great staff to make it happen,” said Gibson. “We have been a Gold Award winner for Choice for ﬁve years in a row. That is the top 10% of the Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites. It is based on audit scores that measure cleanliness, safety and also the reviews that are submitted by guests from their stay.”

Master gardeners hosting 20th annual plant sale The 20th annual Lake County master gardeners plant sale will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 8, at the Lake County Fairgrounds’ ﬁne arts building in Crown Point. A wide variety of plants are offered for sale to the public. Many plants are grown and offered by the master gardeners from their own gardens. Plants include: annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, house plants, bulbs, shrubs, hanging baskets and even some trees. Master garden-

ers are available in abundance to answer any question. The sale also includes a “trash to treasures” area where “gently used” gardening items of all kinds can be purchased. The plant sale is one of three fundraisers the master gardeners have each year. In its commitment to “Helping Others Grow,” the proceeds of the plant sale help fund the master gardener’s scholarship and grant programs.

Railway Garden

Continued from page 1 ing people,” he said. “I like to see people being happy.” When Wilkinson thinks of the Railway Garden, he said, “There’s nothing like it.” Wilkinson may spend three hours at a time at the arboretum railroad, which, he noted, can use more labor and funds. The railway, which had operated seven days a week, is down to weekends to keep costs at a minimum, he said. This particular Sunday, Wilkinson is working downstairs on electronics that run the system. The railway likes to use steam engines, but those are harder to ﬁnd these days,

the volunteer said, so diesel trains are being used. Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, home of the Railway Garden, is located at 450 W. CR 100N, Valparaiso. Arboretum hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, from April through October. While the Railway Garden is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for plant viewing those same months, trains run through October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. For more information about the arboretum and volunteer opportunities, call (219) 4620025 or visit pnw.edu/gabisarboretum.

May 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 3

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

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4 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ May 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Spotlight

Cedar Lake woman sheds 92 pounds through diet, exercise %\ &$55,( 67(,1:(* )HDWXUH :ULWHU Arnette Cotner is an inspiration to anyone who has struggled to lose weight. A year and a half ago, she joined the Taking Off Pounds Sensibly chapter in Cedar Lake and, through hard work and the support of fellow members, she was able to lose 92 pounds. “I got involved with TOPS because I was having health issues. My family doctor looked

me in my eyes and said ‘You better lose weight or you’ll die.’ I tried other weight loss programs in the past and never received any satisfaction,” she said. “The part I like about the club is the friendliness of my fellow members and the support I receive from them.” Following her doctor’s advice, Cotner modiﬁed her diet. “He recommended that I go on a 1,200 calorie a day diet and drink a minimum of four bottles of water per day. He

:LUPVY 3PML 5VY[O^LZ[ www.seniorlifenewspapers.com Main Office, P.O. Box 188 • 206 S. Main St., Milford, Ind. 46542-0188 (574) 658-4111 1-800-733-4111 Fax 800-886-3796

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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 Jerry Long, Circulation Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jlong@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.

also suggested that I exercise a minimum of a half hour a day per five days a week,” she said. She soon began dropping pounds, which she said was uplifting and encouraged her to keep going. Cotner admits that it was very hard to get started. “I’m not going to lie, it was difficult at first as I huffed and puffed on the treadmill. There were days that my husband had to push me to go to the gym, but I did it. Also, at the beginning of my journey, it was a real struggle to merely close food containers as I just wanted to eat the entire thing. But I always knew that I had to journal my daily calorie intake as well as weigh in at the end of the week,” she said. “As I continued to lose weight week after week, month after month, it made closing those food container lids easier. My energy and confidence began to soar and I was now the one pushing my husband to go to the gym.” Her involvement in the club provided not just support and friendship, but accountability. “TOPS helped me reach my present weight loss by having me track the food I ate in a journal. We have a weekly weigh-in before each meeting to chart our gains and loses. During our meeting, we discuss what we ate in the prior week and then discuss how the food may have affected our weight gains or loses,” she explained. “As hard as it is to lose weight,

:(,*+7 /266 -2851(< ³ $UQHWWH &RWQHU ZDV DEOH WR ORVH SRXQGV 2YHU D \HDU DJR VKH MRLQHG WKH 7DNLQJ 2II 3RXQGV 6HQVLEO\ FKDSWHU LQ &HGDU /DNH 3KRWR E\ &DUULH 6WHLQZHJ you ﬁnd a group that gives you support to reach your goal and you don’t give up if you don’t see immediate results. As the old saying goes ‘you didn’t put the weight on over night and you won’t lose it over night.’” Club President Sue Zarate contacted Senior Life so that Cotner’s weight loss could be highlighted. “We feel that she deserves recognition for her weight loss journey and would love to see her story shared,” said Zarate. “When Arnette joined our TOPS group, she was very quiet. The more weight that Arnette lost, the more her conﬁdence has grown, and she is more outgoing. She is an inspiration to our TOPS group.” Cotner, who resides in Crown Point with her husband, has been a resident of northwest

Indiana for the past 51 years. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. “Out of our marriage we have two children, a son and a daughter. We are now proud grandparents of two granddaughters, ages 14 and 9,” she said. “We are very active with both as the oldest granddaughter plays on a National Division Soccer league and we travel a lot with her. The youngest granddaughter plays on a local soccer league. So between the two we are quite active. When not attending the granddaughters’ soccer activities, we have to maintain our ﬁve acre property.” Cotner was recently notiﬁed that she lost the most weight in the club’s division in 2020 with the TOPS weight program.

For 4 Decades Munster has set the STANDARD in Post-Acute Rehabilitation and Memory Support Services!

Awarded #1 in Post-Acute Rehabilitation by Pinnacle Quality Insight!

May 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 5

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

S. O. S. – Speaking of Seniors

Saved Merrillville client $807.73 %\ :22'52: :,/&2;

On Feb. 10, I wrote a letter to help an 81-year-old client from Merrillville with a medical bill problem. With some editing to protect the privacy of our client, here is part of the letter that I sent to ﬁght the false bill. Dear Representative, Our client sent to our ﬁrm a

bill from your ﬁrm for our review. The bill seeks a balance of $807.73 on account number XXXXXXX for services rendered July 29, 2020. I phoned the client’s Medicare supplement insurance company to learn what it knew of this claim. It reported that your bill to our client is false. It reported that Medicare reported the origi-

nal billed amount as $923, that Medicare allowed only $114.69, that Medicare paid $92.33 and that the secondary insurer paid the balance of $22.94. With the Medicare adjustment of this claim, that leaves a balance to our client of zero. It appears that your ﬁrm failed to reduce the claim by the amount of the Medicare

required adjustment. That is a violation of Medicare rules. If you believe our review erred in some way, explain that in writing. If you agree with our ﬁndings, send a new bill to our client, which shows the correct balance of zero instead of the $807.73 that you originally billed to her. All the help that I gave this client was free of charge. This

agency “goes the extra mile” to help our clients when they get suspicious Medicare-related medical bills. (Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville. He has saved clients of that ﬁrm over $2 million dollars by ﬁghting mistakes and fraud in the Medicare system.).

When you don’t have an estate plan Online shoe and clothing retailer Zappos founder and former CEO, Tony Hsieh, passed away in a tragic house ﬁre %\ &/,))25' in Novem- 5,&( ber at the (OGHU /DZ age of 46. $WWRUQH\ Like other headlines that have been made by public ﬁgures and celebrities who have passed away before him, he appears to have died without a will or living trust in place. Gathering all of his assets

will prove challenging for his family and the family’s advisors. In the ﬁnal years of his life, he went on several shopping sprees, including allowing friends the use of his credit cards and also purchasing real estate for friends. Additionally, Hsieh’s griefstricken family will have to sort through thousands of Post-it notes left in his Park City, Utah, mansion regarding potential deals, ﬁnancial obligations and instructions. Besides determining the full net worth of his estate, the family must also determine if any of the sticky notes left behind are binding contracts. This is just the beginning of a long and grueling process for his family.

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that tomorrow is not promised to us. It likely did not occur to him the bind that his family is now left in to ﬁgure out what to do with his assets and the deals and decisions that he made during his lifetime. There is no way for them to be sure of what his wishes were. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. We all spend our lifetime working hard to take care of ourselves and our family, building up whatever ﬁnancial security we can. Estate planning not only determines what happens to assets after you pass away, but it also helps you manage them, if you become disabled. It ensures that

your wishes and desires are carried out. There are plenty of good reasons as to why it’s important to have a good estate plan. Rice and Rice Attorneys can assist you with creating an estate plan customized for your speciﬁc needs. If you would like to learn more, attend one

of our dinner workshops at 6 p.m. May 26, at Avalon Manor, 3550 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, or 6 p.m. June 2, at Gino’s Steakhouse, 600 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville. Reservations required, seating is limited. Call (800) 303-7423, or visit our website at www. riceandrice.com.

Worried? About The Costs Of Long-Term Care? About Losing Your Home And Life Savings? We Can Help! Are You Aware That: 1. Nearly half of all seniors will spend time in a nursing home. 2. Locally, nursing homes cost about $7,500 per month. 3. Many seniors lose their homes and life savings. Are You Also Aware That: 4. There are effective, proven strategies to help preserve your assets from spend-downs. 5. These strategies are available to you, even if you do not have long-term care insurance. 6. These and other strategies can also help to avoid will contests and probate.

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0&+#0# &+6+10 T #$4+'. '+5'4X 66140'; .+((14& T +%'X 66140';

FREE WORKSHOPS: Reservations Required Call Today to Reserve Your Seat! 219.462.0809

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Wednesday, May 26th - OR 6:00 p.m. Avalon Manor 3550 East Lincoln Highway Merrillville, IN

Wednesday, June 2nd 6:00 p.m. Gino’s Steakhouse 600 East Lincoln Highway Merrillville, IN

For Persons 65 or Older, Seating is Limited. Come Join Us! Your safety is our priority at Rice & Rice Workshop Events.

100 Lincolnway, Suite 1, Valparaiso, IN 46383 www.riceandrice.com

Advertising Material

6 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ May 2021

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Sports

Fitness trainer promotes balance and flexibility for seniors %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU Rose Marie Cooperider believes in seniors living healthy. A certified personal trainer and senior fitness specialist, she practices what she preaches, leading several classes at Hobart Family YMCA. Funny thing is, she doesn’t look like one of those zero-bodyfat fitness models coming out with a workout DVD. She laughs about that, but she’s serious about fitness. The Valparaiso resident teaches three classes at the Hobart Y. She also serves at Miller’s Senior Living Center in Portage, where she leads Zumba Gold, a class designed for those unable to stand without the use of a walker. In Hobart, besides being a personal trainer, she leads Aqua Zumba, Silver Sneakers yoga and 3x20 Fitness, a class specifically designed for active older adults. In all of her classes, Cooperider stresses two things: balance and flexibility. “Posture is directly connected to balance,” she said. “The more straight you stand, the less likely you are to fall. People fall back because their balance is off-center and that’s usually due

to poor posture.” Flexibility goes back to muscles and that means drinking plenty of water, Cooperider said. “I encourage people to drink eight bottles of water a day because muscles are comprised mainly of water,” she said. Cooperider also recommends stretching at least 15 minutes a day, five days a week. “It gives you better balance, it develops muscle tone and it prevents injuries from occurring if it’s part of strength training,” she advised. Another key factor to senior fitness, she added, is consistency. That means workouts three times a week on alternating days. “If people work out one hour three times a week, they will see results,” Cooperider said. The fitness specialist sees no major difference between males and females in fitness, except that males are generally more apt to use heavier weights because of males’ ability to lift more weight than women. Cooperider was working retail in Portage when she decided to try something different. After dropping a clothing size due to workouts, she joined Curves to continue fitness training, eventually working at Curves in Por-

tage and Chesterton. She earned her certification in 2014. If Cooperider were to promote one class she teaches, it’s 3x20 Fitness. The name comes from the regimen: 20 minutes of cardio training, 20 minutes of strength training and 20 minutes of balance and flexibility work. It all starts with five minutes of abdominal toning. “We do that first,” Cooperider explained. “We do it while people are fresh and full of energy.” Cooperider teaches 3x20 Fitness twice a week in the early afternoon. The class may draw seven to nine participants. Some are exercising in person, while others are following on Zoom. With COVID-19, she said, “People are now working out using Zoom. Before, they would never take a laptop to work out.” The mother of four grown children and one grand-dog, Cooperider said, “Active older adults need to understand the importance of strength training to rebuild muscle mass.” Aging, she said, naturally reduces a half-pound of muscle annually, while gaining one to five pounds of fat. For Cooperider, fitness is about “fighting back and taking back our strength.”

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Professional Forum EXPANDING — Interested Businesses Call Becky Berggren At 1-866-580-1138, Ext. 2430 A Monthly Question And Answer Advertorial Column

Dermatology

Advance Funeral Planning

Q: What are 5 reasons to see a dermatologist? A:

While sheltering in place during the pandemic, people are tackling all sorts of DIY projects from baking bread to sewing COVID-19 masks. Some people are even trying DIY surgeries, such as removing a mole or skin tag, which can go seriously wrong quickly. Whether the spot on your skin requires immediate medical care or can be removed later, you want to see a dermatologist. Here are five reasons why: 1. Find and treat skin cancer. If you remove a mole at home that’s actually a skin cancer, you can leave behind microscopic cancer cells. These cancer cells can multiply and spread deep into the tissue beneath your skin. This is why melanoma is called the deadliest skin cancer. 2. Control infection risk. When physicians cut into skin, they follow

A. David Soleymani

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guidelines that reduce the risk of infection. 3. Minimize scarring. Dermatologists have the expertise required to minimize scarring. 4. Prevent loss of movement due to scarring. Dermatologists understand the risks and use their expertise to help avoid scars on your skin that limit movement. 5. Avoid difficult-to-stop blood loss. Your medical conditions and medication information helps your dermatologist know what could cause difficult-to-stop bleeding and take necessary precautions.

In all my experience a family has never told me: “I wish we hadn’t done that” when reflecting upon the value of advance funeral planning and funding. On average, an adult makes funeral arrangement once in a lifetime typically for a parent or spouse. As a result, most people are unaware of the decisions and costs that need to be resolved in a compressed period of time. Healthy, fact-based decision making in this environment provides several advantages to the consumer. The decisions made in our conversation remove the “what if”

Ruth Litherland Preneed Arrangement Counselor question at the time of need. Further, the consumer allocates costs for services and merchandise they choose. The family is able to grieve their loss without the burden of emotional overspending and, know the funds paid in advance are a protected asset. There are many more benefits to Advance Funeral Planning and Funding. Please call me for a free consultation today at (219) 836-5000.

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May 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 7

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Finance

Understanding Social Security —

Social Security honors our military heroes %\ '$1,(/ 6800(5 6RFLDO 6HFXULW\ 3XEOLF $IIDLUV 6SHFLDOLVW On Memorial Day, our nation honors military service members who have given their lives for our country. As former President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men (and women) have died to win them.” This is why families, friends and communities come together to remember the great sacrifices of our military members and ensure their legacies live on. The benefits we provide can help the surviving families of deceased military service members. For example, widows, widowers and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits.

You can learn more about those benefits at www.ssa.gov/survivors. We also offer support to our wounded warriors. Social Security benefits protect veterans when injuries prevent them from returning to active duty or performing other work. Both the Department of Veteran Affairs and Social Security have disability programs. You may qualify for disability benefits through one program but not the other or you may qualify for both. Depending on your situation, some members of your family, including your dependent children or spouse, may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. Wounded military service members can receive expedited processing of their Social Security disability claims. If you are a veteran with a 100% perma-

nent and total compensation rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs, we’ll expedite your disability claim. Want more information about how we can help? Visit www. ssa.gov/woundedwarriors for answers to commonly asked questions or to find information about the application process. Thinking about retirement or know a veteran who is? Military service members can receive Social Security benefits in addition to their military retirement benefits. For details, visit our webpage for veterans, available at www.ssa.gov/people/veterans. Please share this information with the military families you know. We honor and thank the veterans who bravely served and died for our country and the military service members who serve today.

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Community Healthcare System marks 50,000th COVID vaccine Marking a signiﬁcant milestone in the state of Indiana and nation’s vaccination efforts, Community Healthcare System recently administered its 50,000th dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. “We celebrate this accomplishment, but know there’s more work to be done,” said Elizabeth Clements, director of pharmacy, Community Hospital. “With vaccinations now available to people ages 16 and up, we strongly encourage that everyone book their appointment and help protect our community.” Nicole Bracik, recipient of the 50,000th shot, said her motivation for getting the vaccine is “to protect my family members who could have greater complications if they contract COVID.” Community Hospital in Munster, one of four hospitals in Community Healthcare System, was selected by the Indiana Department of Health as one of the ﬁrst health care facilities in the state to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. Since then, a second vaccine clinic has opened at Community Stroke and Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point. Between the two locations, more than 70,000 COVID vaccine shots have been administered to patients, comprising more than half of the total shots given in Lake County to date.

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“Our staff working in the COVID vaccine clinics are performing jobs beyond their normal duties and we thank them for their dedication and resilience throughout the pandemic,” said Clements, who manages the

clinic operations. To schedule a vaccination appointment (individuals ages 16 and older), visit ourshot.in.gov or call 211. COVID-19 vaccine distribution, eligibility and scheduling are managed by the IDOH.

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Ben and Fillmore: Two ‘Hippie Bus’ dudes In 1949, Dutch businessman Ben Pon became responsible for putting the ﬁrst Volkswagen Beetle on America’s %\ 5$1'$/ roads. But it & +,// wasn’t just the little German bug that captured Pon‘s interest; he was also intrigued by the plattenwagens — small, utilitarian, rear-engine trucks that zipped around the VW factory. With these vehicles in mind, Pon sketched a vehicle that, to some, resembled an oversized loaf of bread. But VW executives loved Pon’s brainchild and before long they green-lighted the now iconic, slab-sided microbus. Using the same low-powered, air-cooled rear engine as the popular Beetle, the ﬁrst bus

rolled out of the factory in 1950 and gave the world its first look at what was officially designated the Type 2 Transporter. (Type 1 was the Beetle.) In essence, the Type 2 became the first minivan. The vehicle offered a cab-over configuration which placed the driver over the front wheels. As a design feature, this allowed for a wide-angle view of the road ahead, as well as leaving an extensive space behind the front seat for passengers and cargo. To many car enthusiasts, the Type 2 served as a counterpoint to the bulky, chrome-laden, gas-slurping American autos of the time. Originally intended to transport families and campers, the microbus was adopted by surfers and, later, hippies as something simple, efficient and fun. Soon it was on its way to becoming one of the world’s most recognized (and coveted) vehicles. People quickly embraced its austerity.

For example, interiors featured practical rubber mats, not carpeting, on the floor. Before air-conditioning became commonplace, one appreciated early feature was the many windows that opened out all the way around the Type 2. To surfers, the VW microbus became the prized board hauler of choice, preferable over a “woodie” (a wood-paneled station wagon) or a delivery van. When the surfing fad faded, counterculturists adopted the vehicle. “The hippie movement fell in love with the bus for a few reasons,” proclaimed classic car expert McKeel Hagerty. “It was cheap to maintain, easy to work on and big enough to live in.” To which Stewart Reed, the chair of a California design college, added, “The bus flew in the face of traditional social culture. It was anti-style, anti-success and rebellious in a totally new way.” The main complaint about

the microbus was its speed — or lack of it. The ﬁrst models offered a meager 25 horsepower engine. (One can only imagine such a vehicle trying to ascend mountains or challenging hills.) Eventually, the horsepower rating was increased to 40, but the vehicle still proved too slow for many drivers. In Disney’s Pixar movie “Cars,” the Fillmore character — voiced by George Carlin — is portrayed as a well-used — but

not used up — 1960s Type 2 with a license plate that reads 51237, Carlin’s birthdate of May 12, 1937. Fillmore’s name came from San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium, the home of numerous counterculture concerts. Thanks partly to “Cars,” the peace-loving, organic fuel dispensing Fillmore will ensure that the VW microbus will represent the ’60s counterculture from now on. Groovy.

Ice your hurts %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV A teammate on our senior softball team who was a practicing osteopathic doctor in his younger days told us, “When in doubt on how to treat an injury or ache, try ice.”

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It was a simple answer to a simple request by another team member who had twisted his wrist a bit when he stumbled over first base. Then the ex-doc qualified his advice: “If the pain or injury persists, see your doctor.” At which point you might revive the ice versus heat debate. Everyone agrees some pain is assuaged by ice and some relieved by heat. Which should be used on what is where the confusion begins. Ice packs (usually made of some sort of gel) and crushed ice have generally replaced ice cubes and can be wrapped around or held in place over an injury or ache. The comfort here is that the ice numbs the area and reduces the pain. A general rule is that ice is the go-to therapy for a fresh injury, such as a sprained wrist or ankle, because heat can exacerbate swelling, bruising and bleeding. Ice also dulls chronic pain and, as our doctor teammate explained, allows healing without being felt. On the other hand, a comfortable heating pad or hot water bottle can soothe chronically aching muscles, ligaments and tendons that have been bruised or battered, as well as deep inflammation such as ongoing back and neck pain. But heat also increases blood flow, so it should not be used on a bleeding injury. Neither ice nor heat should be applied much longer than 20 minutes at a time and should be limited to about three times a day. Many medics support alternating ice and heat application over a short period of time. Doctors also advise against falling asleep with an ice pack or heating pad applied to your problem area. Put a towel against your skin to protect it from the ice or heat. There are times to use different applications for the same problem. For example, heat can ease the pain in an arthritic knee but ice should be used if the joint is swollen. Other sources of temperature therapy are hot baths and cold showers. As with all cases involving your health and welfare, check with your doctor to explore the best treatment in your case. Mature Life Features, copyright 2021

May 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 9

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Faith

Church elder sees prison ministry as his divine calling %\ 67(9( (89,12 )HDWXUH :ULWHU After 37 years in prison ministry, Allen Andras of BridgePoint Church in Valparaiso can share many stories of faith. That includes this incident from a trip to Honduras. After two days of ministering to federal prisoners in the central American country, Andras and his comrades were asked to spend one more day. They agreed, and the next day they found themselves alone with 10 gangbangers who had just brutally murdered a busload of people. For three hours, the missionaries sang and prayed with the prisoners. As the missionaries were leaving, the gang chieftain

approached them. He told them the gang at ﬁrst was unsure of the visitors because “their skin was glowing and we thought you were angels.” The missionaries and gang members talked, ate and prayed together, Andras recalled. “That [incident] could have only been the hand of God,” Andras said. Whether it’s prison ministry, Bible study classes or other church duties, Andras believes he’s repaying God for sparing his life twice. Andras was struck head-on by a semi in 1979. Then, ﬁve years later, in the incident that made him a Christian, the retired electrician was electrocuted by a powerful charge. “People began to mentor me,

The new world of longevity %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV The current mantra is “Things will never be the same” because of the changes wrought by COVID regarding lockdowns, color-coded socializing, masks, hand washing and the plethora of political proclamations designed to protect us from ourselves. But a deeper and more profound change was already underway before the pandemic: The population is getting older. By 2030, the senior population around the world is expected to top 1.5 billion from the current 900 million. China’s over-65 phalanx, which accounts for less than 10% of its population, now is predicted to account for a quarter of the population in just three decades. By the end of this decade, more than 20% of the North American population will be 65 years or older. By 2060, one out four will be in that age bracket. This phenomenon is occurring for a few reasons. One is the graying of the post-World War II baby boomers, the 77 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964. Added to that are the facts that we’re living longer while the birth rate is diminishing. (The 1950 U.S. birth rate was 25 per 1,000, compared with 12 per 1,000 last year.) By the beginning of the

2030s, workers will account for only 30% of the population. This shrinking work force means a shrinking source of payroll taxes to finance Social Security and Medicare benefits for the aging population that no longer will be working. Counterbalancing this trend are recent reports that threequarters of the current labor force plan to keep working past the age of 65. But pundits still predict Social Security benefits will have to be cut by at least 20% by the mid-2030s. All of this movement not only affects financial support programs, it puts a strain on the health care industry, which foresees a shortage of more than 120,000 doctors in the next 10 years. The combination of this anticipated shortage and an older work force is expected to result in openings for seniors in the health care industry, which already is looking to avoid shortages of 100,000 nurses assistants and other medical aides forecast over the next half dozen years.

7851,1* 72 6&5,3785( ³ $OOHQ $QGUDV OHDIV WKURXJK D %L EOH VHDUFKLQJ IRU D SDVVDJH WKDW GHVFULEHV KLV PLQLVWULHV LQFOXGLQJ \HDUV LQ SULVRQ PLQLVWU\ $QGUDV KDV ZRUNHG ZLWK SULVRQ LQPDWHV DQG SDUROHHV LQ ,QGLDQD ,OOLQRLV DQG /DWLQ $PHULFD 3KRWR E\ 6WHYH (XYLQR ing back to God. “After I was electrocuted, it became very clear that God was calling me to ministry,” he said. “I do it because I am obedient to God. He’s calling me to do this.” Before COVID-19 put prisons in lockdown mode, Andras was visiting prisons multiple times a week. “I go in with a mission. I do my job,” he said. “I have responsibilities.” Andras and his wife of 42 years, Dawn, have three chil-

dren, all in ministry, and four grandchildren. Turning to Scripture, Andras cites Isaiah 42:6-7, which includes, “I formed you and set you as … a light for the nations. To bring out prisoners from conﬁnement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” “God has allowed me to be a light wherever I go,” Andras said. “He has allowed me to open men’s eyes. A lot of men in prison are now free.”

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teach me, and I began to ﬁgure out what I was supposed to do,” he said. That led him to Cook County Jail in Chicago in 1985, followed by correctional centers at Joliet, Stateville and Dixon, among others, all in Illinois. In 2016, he moved to Boone Grove (Valparaiso) and continued his ministry at Lake County Jail in Crown Point, State Prison in Michigan City and Westville Correctional Center. Andras also works with about 50 parolees, helping them ﬁnd jobs and housing. Prison ministry has also taken Andras to Honduras and Argentina. There he and other missionaries visit churches to encourage others to continue this ministry. Over the years, Andras estimates he has ministered to 10,000 to 20,000 inmates. He’s held chapel services drawing 300 to 500 men, but he confesses he does not work with everyone. “I want men who want to change their lives and who want help,” Andras stressed. “I have no time for game playing or gangbangers. I go in and I make it known what we are doing. We’re bringing in a chapel service with music.” For Andras, it’s all about giv-

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Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Salvation Army seeking vendors for annual spring flea market The Salvation Army is seeking vendors for its annual spring flea market scheduled for May 15. Proceeds from the event support a variety of social service programs for local families, including food and emergency financial assistance. The spring flea market will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 15, at The Salvation Army Hammond-Munster Corps Community Center, 8225 Co-

Woodworkers association meets in Hobart The Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association is having a meeting at 7 p.m. May 27, at Hobart Moose Lodge, 143 S. Hobart Road, Hobart. If you are a woodworker (beginner to advanced) or are thinking of taking up the hobby, come join the association at its monthly woodworkers group to see what it is all about. The meeting will have a show-and-tell program of recent projects and discussions on woodworking-related issues, projects, stories and shows. For more information, visit niwoodworkers.org.

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lumbia Ave., Munster. Vendors can reserve a 12-foot-by-12-foot space on the lawn for $25. Tables are available for rent for $10 or vendors can bring their own. Proceeds from reservations for tables and space go to The Salvation Army. “Our spring and fall flea markets are special because we have new and returning vendors every year who live in and around the community and care about their neighbors in need,” said Lt. Darby Bowyer, corps. officer for The Salvation Army Hammond-Munster Corps. “Many save their best stuff to sell at bargain prices at the spring flea market. We are grateful for their commitment to help us raise critical funds for local families.” While not required, vendors are urged to bring and set up their own canopy in case of inclement weather. For more information or to reserve vendor space, contact Bowyer at (219) 838-0380 or Darby.Bowyer@ usc.SalvationArmy.org.

Making Connections

Lindsey Sherron shares expertise as licensed clinical social worker %\ 5(6,'(1&(6 6(1,25 /,9,1* Serving the senior population for nearly 20 years in a variety of settings, such as home health, hospice, assisted living, memory care and outpatient therapeutics, Lindsey Sherron, LCSW, MSW, joined our

professional leadership team as director of social services. During these especially challenging times, she is welcomed as an advocate. She helps residents and families in identifying and dealing with social, emotional, psychological, spiritual and environmental factors, which can become serious barriers to optimal health and overall well-being. She is available at Residences at Deer Creek, Schererville, and Residences at Coffee Creek, Chesterton. She is introducing herself to every resident and family, meeting them “where they are” as an active listener and creating a personal connection to determine their needs. Seniors often feel isolated anyway, so COVID-19 has been a nightmare with isolation from family and friends. Sherron has also noticed marked improvement in the moods of everyone through the renewed hope of vaccines and visits. “We want the very best care for our residents and that means ensuring the very best care for our staff,” according to Sherron. “Being there, listening and supporting everyone, whether they live here, visit or work here, is the approach that helps us be our best,” observed

/,1'6(< 6+(5521 /&6: 06: Karen Ayersman, executive director, Residences at Deer Creek. “Lindsey’s experience and expertise as a clinical social worker ﬁts our unique approach. We strive to be proactive, rather than reactive. Lindsey will be our link to other services in the area if there is a particular need for a resident, member of their family or our staff,” said Kaitlynn Redmon, executive director, Residences at Coffee Creek. “We’re all about making connections and keeping connections. That’s what holds us together.” For more information, visit our website: www.ResidencesSeniorLiving.com.

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Strack & Van Til raises money to support Meals on Wheels director of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana. “The checkout challenge helps Meals on Wheels meet the surge in demand during the pandemic and keep our commitment to deliver nutrition to seniors and others in need.” During the coronavirus pandemic, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana has expanded its services to meet the community need: free meals delivered to COVID patients discharged from area hospitals, healthy lunches for homeless people, take-home frozen meals for food insecure families and individuals impacted by the pandemic, and home delivery of a week of meals to seniors no longer able to visit closed congregate meal sites. Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana, with a headquarters and regional commercial kitchen in Merrillville, prepares and delivers 1,600 nutritional

Strack & Van Til raised $45,772.05 through its recent checkout challenge, providing essential funding for Meals on Wheels to serve northwest Indiana seniors. From March 29 to April 11, Strack & Van Til customers rounded up their purchase in support of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana and the Visiting Nurse Association of Northwest Indiana’s Meals on Wheels program. “Strack & Van Til customers continue to amaze us with their compassion and generosity,” said Jeff Strack, CEO of Strack & Van Til. “The health and well-being of people in the communities we serve is so important to everyone at Strack & Van Til and we are thrilled that our customers gave so much to help our senior neighbors.” “We are grateful to Strack & Van Til for their partnership and the patrons who rounded up their shopping,” said Sandra Noe, executive

meals daily to people in need serving Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper counties, and has delivered more than 8 million meals since 1977. The VNA of NWI is headquartered in Valparaiso, delivering 250 meals daily in Porter County. “Strack & Van Til and their customers time and time again help provide for those in need in our community through the checkout challenge. We appreciate their support for VNA Meals on Wheels of Porter County,” said Bob Franko, president and CEO of the VNA of NWI. “The funds donated will help VNA of NWI continue to provide hot, nutritious meals and the warm smile of a volunteer driver to isolated seniors and others not able to shop for and prepare meals themselves.” To register for meals, volunteer or support Meals on Wheels, visit www.mownwi. org or vnanwi.org.

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No bones about it I’ve always tried to treat my body with respect. However, there have been times when I looked down on my knees ,1 $ (or up, when 1876+(// I am doing %\ ',&. sit-ups). :2/)6,( Problems started back in college with a traumatic football injury. I was watching the homecoming game and my leg became wedged in the bleachers while I was trying to get a better look at one particular cheerleader. About three years ago, my orthopedist said I needed to have my knee replaced. I suggested replacing it with a Segway. I’m no doctor, but I really thought that would make it a lot easier to get around. Truth is, the surgeon did a great job. He told my wife that mine were the worst looking knees he had ever seen. The ﬁrst time Mary Ellen and I went to the beach, she made a very similar comment. This past winter I started to do a lot of jogging and, apparently, I overdid it. Recently, my knee began to hurt and I could hear crunching in the joint. It wasn’t just the pain that kept me awake at night. It was the noise. After limping around the house for the past several weeks, I made another appointment with my orthopedist. When I reached his ofﬁce, I ran into an entire waiting room of people who were there to make a trade. Everyone sitting near me was having something replaced — a knee, a shoulder, an elbow. One guy confused the term metatarsal with Taurus and was hoping to get a good deal on a used car. The doctor told me he needed to get some “pictures” of my knees, which was embar-

rassing since all I had in a scrapbook were 35-year-old Polaroids of me in a pair of ugly green Bermuda shorts. Before my knee replacement several years ago, I went to an imaging center for an MRI. The receptionist showed me an outline of a man’s body and asked me to put an X over the knee that was troubling me. This was confusing, because the ﬁgure was looking at me, so his right was my left. It was way too complicated. I simply pulled down my pants and drew an X on my own knee. The nurse said not to do this because doctors are never sure if X marks the spot to operate or not to operate. She also asked that I not pull down my pants in the waiting room again. When I left, the nurse handed me a huge envelope with 58 images to bring back to my surgeon — more pictures than I took during our two-week trip to the Grand Canyon. The next morning, I looked at my online medical chart. It said: Within the intercondylar notch region posteriorly … there is an irregular structure … consistent with a loose body. This sounded like a clinical explanation of my ﬂabby rear end. This time, the diagnosis was a lot simpler: “You have a hairline fracture in your lower leg, which causes pain in the knee,” the surgeon told me. “You must avoid stress for several weeks. That tibia of yours is 74 years old.” “Lower your voice, Doc. I don’t want my other tibia to hear about this. They’re twins.” I now spend most of the day sitting on the couch relaxing, reading, doing crossword puzzles. I have stopped watching political talk shows and I no longer argue with Mary Ellen about who the next host of Jeopardy should be. Like the doctor ordered, I have avoided stress. But my knee is still killing me.

May 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 13

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Health & Fitness

The power of connection with families %\ '$0,$1 5,&2 'LUHFWRU RI 0DUNHWLQJ DQG &RPPXQLW\ 5HODWLRQV Hospice of the Calumet Area Bereavement Facilitator Sarah Ticich had mixed feelings about technology months ago. During the pandemic, her mind changed as she embraced its impact on her work. Ticich and her partner, Krystle Kerkow, created Healing Hearts virtual support groups months ago as a way to connect with families. “Traditionally, the one-onone interactions were helpful in building relationships, but innovation, like technology, has had a tremendous impact on grief,” said Ticich. “The bottom line is that having a strong presence, even virtually, in society is crucial. People are

suffering even more now.” Ticich feels the pandemic has forced professionals to rethink social work. “Many families are facing a lack of closure when their loved ones die,” said Ticich. “Any loss is painful, but not being able to have family around you during these times can have a signiﬁcant impact on how people deal with loss.” Ticich points to the fact that technology has enabled her program to connect with family members across the country who wouldn’t have that option otherwise. Their department also participates in virtual memorial services that celebrate the lives of patients that have passed. The last virtual service can currently be viewed on the Hospice of the Calumet Area’s website and Facebook page.

“The grieving process is so important and having some type of closure is very important,” said Ticich. Kerkow, a Hospice of the Calumet Area bereavement counselor, feels technology “surprisingly” has been more inviting for clients since “some have a difﬁcult time expressing themselves in a group setting.” “There’s no cookie cutter method to helping someone through grief because everybody has a unique relationship with their loved ones,” said Kerkow. “We often tell others that we know how they feel but we don’t. It’s best to empathize with them but be respectful of their personal grief journey.” For information, visit www. HospiceCalumet.org.

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Walk for the DAV to be held at Wicker Memorial Park DAV Chapter No. 17 is hosting its annual Walk for the DAV June 5. The walk will be at Wicker Memorial Park, Highland. Check-in and T-shirt pick up begins at 8:30 a.m. Step off is at 10 a.m. The DAV is a nonproﬁt organization dedicated to a single purpose: empowering

USA military service veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. All proceeds will go directly toward helping local, disabled veterans. The donation to walk in the event is $20 for an adult participant and $10 for a student or child. A T-shirt is

included. This event is open to the public and family friendly with special and meaningful exhibits on display including: • Indiana Patriot Guard’s Flag Display coupled with Indiana’s fallen heroes. • A tribute paying honor to the 220 fallen military heroes from Indiana that have died

in the line of combat during the past two decades. • Department of Defense Honor Guard with a 21-gun salute. • Lansing Veterans Memorial Ceremonial Honor Guard. • The national anthem and taps (both live performances).

• Post-race lunch celebration from Mission BBQ. To participate, register at http://dav17in.com/dav-walk. Sponsorship opportunities are still available; contact Commander Bob Carnagey at (219) 629-0594 or bobcarnagey@ msn.com for more information.

Ask about medical fees %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Whether or not you have health insurance, always ask your doctor if there is a fee involved when discussing any appointment, surgery, test, procedure or any other arrangement being made to continue your treatment. Follow-up appointments for such purposes as checking on proper healing of minor surgery or monitoring blood pressure can be chargeable. But any fee might be avoided if the patient asks the doctor about charges when the follow-up is discussed. For example, follow-up visits after surgery normally are included in the surgeon’s original fee. But not all. So to avoid surprises, ask. The process has been complicated by the recent rise in tele-

medicine (internet contact with doctors by telephone and computer). In some cases, they’re covered by Medicare, Medicaid

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sŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŚŽƵƐĞĐĂůůĚŽĐ͘ŽƌŐ Kƌ Ăůů dŽůů &ƌĞĞ͗ ϴϬϬͲϵϰϱͲϰϲϱϰ

MAKING BEST DAYS POSSIBLE + Hospice care + Meals on Wheels + Lifeline response system

+ W e Honor Veterans + Phoenix Center + Palliative Care

Call (219) 462-5195 Serving Lake, LaPorte, Jasper, Porter, and Starke counties

www.vnanwi.org

14 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ May 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

83'$7(6 +$33(1,1*6 ,1 7+( $5($ Send listings of events, hosted by nonproﬁt organizations, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 by May 26 for June events or email Editor Phoebe Muthart, pmuthart@the-papers. com. With the listing, include contact person and area code and 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., ﬁtness 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., ukulele 11 a.m., smart phone class 10:30 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 (ﬁrst and third Tuesday), dominos 10 a.m., walking club 10 a.m. to noon, dominos 10 a.m., genealogy 10 a.m., tournament pool play 10 a.m., jam session 11 a.m., ping pong play noon, Mah Jongg (experienced play) 11:15 a.m. Wednesday: Experienced art class 8:30 a.m., stretch plus 9 a.m., hand and foot 10 a.m. (ﬁrst Wednesday), pickleball 8:30 a.m., 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., lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($3), Y cardio 9:30 a.m., ping pong play at noon, tournament pool play noon, canasta 12:30 p.m., bridge play 1 p.m., dominos 1 p.m., canasta noon, 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., Ask the Doc computer class 1-3 p.m., darts 11 a.m., bridge play 12:30 p.m., bunco (every ﬁrst and third Friday) 12:30 p.m., bingo (every second and fourth Friday) 12:30 p.m. Plus many special classes and presentations. $3 daily visitation fee for non-members. 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 ﬁrst Wednesday; birthday celebrations ﬁrst Wednesday; monthly meeting third Wednesday; volunteer opportunity third Thursday (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 Monday-Friday. 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., Grifﬁth. 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 Thursday at Grifﬁth 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. Continued on page 15

Phone 219.254.2345 To Join Our

HEALTH AND SERVICES DIRECTORY ADULT DAY SERVICES ST. AGNES ADULT DAY SVC. CENTER 1859 Harrison Blvd. Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 477-5433 Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m. Structured Activities, Safe & Secure Surroundings, Health Monitoring Specializing in Alzheimer’s Care “Help make their Golden Years shine a little brighter.” Email: barbkubiszak@gmail.com www.stagnesvalpo.org

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE RESIDENCES AT COFFEE CREEK See Our 2300 Village Point Ads In This Chesterton, IN 46304 Issue (219) 921-5200 www.ResidencesSeniorLiving.com Assisted Living and Memory Support at the Beautiful Watershed Preserve. RESIDENCES AT DEER CREEK 401 E. U.S. Highway 30 Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 864-0700 www.ResidencesSeniorLiving.com Assisted Living and Memory Support in a Residential Setting.

DENTAL DENTAL HOME HEALTH Serving Lake County We will come to those who can’t come to us. Visits by appointment only. (219) 718-6684 Dr. Eric Compton dentalhomehealth@gmail.com www.munsterdentist.com NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesterton, Merrillville & Hammond By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349 www.northshorehealth.org Affordable dental care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare and Medicaid accepted. Discounted self-pay option.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES VNA OF NWI LIFELINE PROGRAM 501 Marquette St. See Our Valparaiso, IN 46385 Ad In This Additional Offices In: Issue Crown Point, IN and LaPorte, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax https://www.vnanwi.org/services/in-home-services A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. The VNA Lifeline program provides dependable, fast access to help when you need it. Live an independent and active lifestyle with the VNA Lifeline program’s medical alert pendant or wristlet. Making Best Days Possible

FUNERAL HOMES CALUMET PARK CEMETERY & FUNERAL CHAPEL Privately Owned/Operated Since 1928 Cemetery: 2305 W. 73rd Ave. Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 769-8803 Funeral Chapel: 7535 Taft St. Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 736-5840 www.calumetparkcemetery.com : mycalumetpark SMITH BIZZELL WARNER FUNERAL HOME 4209 Grant St. Gary, IN 46408 (219) 887-1852 www.smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome.com : smithbizzellwarnerfuneralhome

HOME CARE SERVICES HEART 2 HEART HOME CARE, INC. Non-medical caregiver, CNA at the comfort of wherever you call home. Assistance with hygiene, meal preparations, reminding medications, household tasks, escorting to activities center or therapies. LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED Serving all Lake County areas. 200 Russell Street, Suite 103 Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 501-7015 www.heart2hearthomecareinc.com

HOME CARE SERVICES VISITING ANGELS HOME CARE Nationally respected, non medical, home care service. Providing CNA’s, HHA’s & Companion Care. * Assist w/Hygiene * Meal Preparation * Medication Reminders * Light Housekeeping * Transportation * Hourly, 24-hour Care & Overnight Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care / Palliative Care LICENSED * BONDED * INSURED 2340 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 322-6100 www.visitingangels.com

HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES COMMUNITY HOME HEALTH SVCS. Munster Community Home Health, St. Catherine’s Hospital, E. Chicago, St. Mary’s Hospital, Hobart (219) 440-5400 Our nurses offer home health services with expert compassionate care for your medical needs in your home!

HOSPICE CARE HEART TO HEART HOSPICE OF NORTHERN INDIANA 402 Wall Street, Suite 22 Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone: (219) 462-6529 Fax: (219) 462-9017 CHAP Accredited www.HTOHH.com Compassionate care from our heart to yours. Volunteers needed.

May 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 15

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Grappling with pandemic grief %\ &(&,/ 6&$*/,21( 0DWXUH /LIH )HDWXUHV Grappling with grief is difﬁcult any time, but it has become increasingly hard to handle during COVID. The pandemic has

shattered normal life around the globe. The diversions and duties that held our attention were disrupted by the virus attack that altered our way of life — our jobs, our shopping habits, how

83'$7(6 +$33(1,1*6 ,1 7+( $5($ Continued from page 14 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 Ave. Whiting Lions Club — Seeking donations of old eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids. Drop off

in yellow collection box on 119th St., 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) 838-8756.

we visited family and friends and attended church. Everything. Folks began feeling tired all the time but had trouble sleeping. Heads and stomachs started to ache. Memory loss became especially rampant among seniors and worry piled upon worry. All of this is part of grief, a normal response to loss. Grief doesn’t apply only to the loss of loved ones. There’s the loss of feeling secure when our world was deluged with announcements of death rates, lockdowns, the pros of cons of wearing masks and letting children go to school, and on and on and on. To lessen grief’s hold on you, an initial step is to look at what you’ve lost during this pandemic. And don’t feel guilty because you feel angry or sad that you can’t

spend as much time as you’d like with the grandkids or have coffee with old colleagues. After listing your losses, look at your strengths. You’ve probably suffered a serious loss or two over the years and you coped your way through it. Now, start looking to the future. Since you can’t spend as much face-to-face time with friends and family, use your phone. Call or text your contacts regularly. Keep them and yourself abreast of the latest doings and developments in everybody’s lives. There might be someone you can help by calling them regularly and giving them support. Don’t be afraid to call someone who can give you help and support. And don’t forget the power and comfort of prayer. You might also cut down your

television time, at least the time spent being hollered at by the talking heads convinced they know what’s best for you. Watch movies instead. Learn to relax and enjoy your favorite hobbies. If you don’t have one, start! Reading, cooking, gardening, oil painting, yoga ... the list is endless. Make plans to get together regularly with friends and neighbors now that you realize how you all miss each other. Start putting together the itinerary for that trip you’ve wanted to take for the past few years. Look at ways to remodel your living quarters to make them more comfortable. In a word or two, to combat and get over the grief shrouding you during this seemingly endless pandemic: stay active. Mature Life Features, copyright 2021

Phone 219.254.2345 To Join Our

HEALTH AND SERVICES DIRECTORY HOSPICE CARE HOSPICE OF THE CALUMET See Our AREA MUNSTER Ad In This • Serving Lake, Porter and Bordering Issue Illinois Communities Since 1981 • Hospice Services Are Covered 100% For Patients Who Are Medicare Eligible • Not-for-profit • Care Provided In Your Home Or In Our Hospice House www.hospicecalumet.org (219) 922-2732 / (219) 736-2422 UNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE Family owned & operated hospice Offering premier end-of-life care For over 25 years at no cost to you, Because we care. Serving Porter, Jasper & Newton Counties in Indiana. 219.769.8648 Greater Illinois area 312.427.6000 www.unityhospice.com See Our VNA OF NWI Ad In This 501 Marquette St. Issue Valparaiso, IN 46385 Additional Offices In: Crown Point, IN and LaPorte, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax www.vnanwi.org A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. Accepts all hospice eligible patients, regardless of ability to pay. Veteran specialty hospice program. Serving Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper and Starke Counties. Making Best Days Possible

HOUSECALL DOCTORS See Our HOUSECALL DOCTORS, PC Ad In This At-Home Medical Care for Issue Elderly & Homebound Patients Providing at-home care from Medical doctors and Nurse Practitioners. Serving NW Indiana, Indianapolis & Plymouth/So. Bend areas www.housecalldoc.org Toll Free: 800.945.4654

MEALS ON WHEELS VNA OF NWI MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM 501 Marquette St. See Our Valparaiso, IN 46385 Ad In This Additional Offices In: Issue Crown Point, IN and LaPorte, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax https://www.vnanwi.org/services/meals-on-wheels A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. Providing nutritional meals for individuals in Porter County delivered to your home. Meals are available both on a long-term basis and temporarily, meals are available for ages 3 years and up. Making Best Days Possible

MEDICAL CLINIC NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesterton, Merrillville, Hammond & LaPorte By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349 www.northshorehealth.org Affordable medical and urgent care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance accepted. Discounted self-pay option.

REHABILITATION SERVICES HARTSFIELD VILLAGE See Our REHABILITATION CENTER Ad In This 503 Otis Bowen Drive Issue Munster, IN 46321 (219) 934-0590 (800) 297-6188 (219) 703-6568 Fax www.hartsfieldvillage.com Post-Acute Rehab Center Bridging the gap from Hospital to Home.

REHABILITATION SERVICES VALPARAISO CARE & REHAB 606 Wall St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 464-4976 www.AmericanSrCommunities.com/vcrc

RETIREMENT LIVING HARTSFIELD VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING 10000 Columbia Ave. See Our Munster, IN 46321 Ad In This (219) 934-0750 Issue (800) 934-6188 www.hartsfieldvillage.com We are a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community). We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Support and Nursing Care for our residents coming through the continuum of care. Living Well - Living Wise!!

TELEPHONE SERVICES RELAY INDIANA - INTRAC See Our 7702 Woodland Drive #130 Ad In This Indianapolis, IN 46278 Issue (877) 446-8722 Problems hearing on the telephone? We provide captioned telephones to assist you to read what the other person is saying. No more garbled or misunderstood conversations. Simply, READ what you’re hearing.

TRANSPORTATION NWI TRANSPORT Non-Emergency Transportation To medical appointments, airport, social gatherings. Equipped for wheel chair and handicapped individuals. Serving Lake, Porter and Jasper counties. (219) 669-0594

16 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ May 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

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1420 St. Mary Circle, Hobart, IN 46342 (219) 945-1968 • www.meridian.com/hobart

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Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s Unit, Therapies: Speech-OccupationalPhysical, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pets Allowed, Private Dining Room, Enclosed Courtyard, 14 Passenger Van

Dyer Nursing & Rehab Center

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601 Sheffield Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 322-2273 • www.dyernursingandrehab.com

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

Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-RespiratoryPhysical, Long Term Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

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Hammond-Whiting Care Center

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E Experience Our Unique Approach To Senior Living & Memory Support 2300 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304 (219) 921-5200 • www.ResidencesAtCoffeeCreek.com

1000-114th Street, Whiting, IN 46394 (219) 659-2770 www.hammondwhitingconvalescentcenter.com Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Respite Care, Hospice Care, JCAHO Accredited, Private/SemiPrivate Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

Hartsfield Village Continuing Care Community

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Experience Our Unique Approach To Senior Living & Memory Support 401 E. U.S. 30, Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 864-0700 • www.ResidencesAtDeerCreek.com

10000 Columbia Avenue, Munster, IN 46321 (800) 297-6188 • www.hartsfieldvillage.com 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

Lake County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

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Saint Anthony 203 Franciscan Drive. Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 661-5100 MajesticCare.com

5025 McCook Ave., East Chicago, IN 46312 (219) 397-0380 • www.lakecountynursingandrehab.com Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Unit; Therapies: Speech, Occupational and Physical; Long Term Care, Respite/Temporary Care, Hospice Care, Trach/Respiratory Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Certified Medicare and Medicaid Provider

Advertise Your Community Here!

Assisted Living, Private Rooms, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Services (including Physical, Occupational, Speech and Respiratory Therapy), Pet Visitation, Accepts Most Payer Sources. *Saint Anthony is no longer affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Gary or the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.

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4410 W. 49th Avenue, Hobart, IN 46410 (219) 947-1507

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

Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

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May 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 17

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Berries for mind and body

Fruit in general can be enjoyed on nearly all types of diets, but berries may be the king of the crop. Berries are some of the healthiest foods you can eat, as they’re low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. Technically, a berry is a small, pulpy and often edible fruit. Typically, berries are juicy, rounded, brightly colored, sweet or sour, and do not have a stone or pit, although many pips or seeds may be present. I know bananas and tomatoes along with other fruits are botanically a berry, but let’s stick with the ones generally referred to as berries. Benefits Of Berries • Low in calories — Per cup, Strawberries 49 calories, Blueberries 84, Blackberries 62, Raspberries 64. • Antioxidants including anthocyanins that may slow rates of cognitive decline as you age. • Improve blood sugar and insulin response. • High in soluble fiber, which aids digestion. • Many vitamins, nutrients and inflammation fighters. • Reduce skin wrinkles (who knew).

• Heart healthy — these include lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, while reducing oxidative stress. On just about every list that ranks which berry is best for overall health, the ﬁrst four were: 1. Blueberries. 2. Raspberries (red, black, gold and white). 3. Goji – a superfood usually sold dried. 4. Strawberries. Don’t limit yourself to only berries because every fruit has it’s own beneﬁts, but do try to incorporate berries each day. Fruit isn’t enough though, you need plant foods at every meal. Berries are a simple recipe of one ingredient — just pop them in your mouth. Of course, you can also add them to oatmeal, cereal or in a smoothie. Smoothies are breakfast for many people and an easy way to incorporate several fruits

including goji and acai berries, which are usually sold dried. I love to add berries to my salad occasionally to give it a good punch. Sprinkle blueberries and strawberries on top with a few walnuts, almonds or pecans — yummy good. Try this dressing: Blueberry Dressing ½ cup frozen or fresh blueberries 1 pitted Medjool date Juice of ½ lemon Pinch of salt (optional) A bit of water (about a ¼ cup) Use a blender or food processor to combine. Frozen berries may make the dressing a little thicker, so adjust the water to desired consistency. Cat Wilson lives in South Bend and transitioned from a vegetarian diet to eating a plant-based diet over two years ago. She may be contacted at cwilson@the-papers.com.

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Let Purdue Extension help you Get WalkIN’ Spring is here and that means nicer weather with more time spent outdoors. Why not take this opportunity to start walking and moving more? Walking is a popular form of physical activity and good for your health. Only half of all American adults get the recommended amount of physical activity. Lack of physical activity is directly related to the occurrence of adult obesity and overweight. Regular physical activity can lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and falls in older adults. Walking is an excellent

way for most people to increase their physical activity. It’s an easy way to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle. Walking is accessible to almost anyone and doesn’t require speciﬁc skills or fancy workout clothes and equipment. Need some motivation to get started, but don’t have time to attend a class? Starting May 3, Get WalkIN,’ an email-based walking program, is being offered through Purdue Extension in Porter County. Participants can sign up, walk on their own and receive consistent emailed support and information. Any

resident of the county, who is aged 18 years and older, may enroll at bit.ly/GetWalkINMay2021.

If interested in participating or want more information, contact ajones1@purdue.edu or diaz154@purdue.edu.

Hammond’s annual ﬂower giveaway begins Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr., Hammond Parks and Recreation, and The Hammond Park Foundation invite Hammond residents to attend the city’s annual ﬂower giveaway from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. May 7, at the Hammond

Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave. Also, be prepared to show a valid Indiana driver’s license or state of Indiana ID containing a Hammond address. This event is while supplies last. For more information, call (219) 853-6378.

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601 Sheffield, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 865-5200 • www.assistedlivingdyer.com

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606 Wall Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 464-4976

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Reaches YOUR Target Market Adults 50 Years and Better

Contact Becky For More Details! 219.254.2345 slwest@the-papers.com | www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

18 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ May 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Travel

Garfield tour great fun for grandparents, grandkids Question: What do grandparents, grandkids, cell phones and Garfield have in common? Answer: Road trip! *5($7 Gather (6&$3(6 up your %\ 52' .,1* grandchildren and their cell phones and head to Grant County to see if they can locate the lasagna-loving “fat cat” on the Garfield Trail. Communities throughout the county have erected five-foottall statues of the cool cartoon cat. Each of the 12 is designed to depict the heritage and character of the location where it stands.

Of course when you’re in Marion, Sweetser, Swayzee, Jonesboro, Gas City, Fairmount, Van Buren, Upland or Matthews, you’re invited to visit the other local attractions. For instance, in Matthews drive or walk across the 1877 Cumberland covered bridge over the Mississinawa River or in Fairmount visit the museum of movie icon James Dean. Here’s how to get started. Go to www.followthefatcat. com on the internet and download the brochure. You can also pick one up at any of the state information centers on I-69. The map shows all the cities and addresses where the Garﬁelds are located. When arriving in one of the towns, have the grandkids call (765) 997-7034 to learn about the tour and get the

background information on the specific statue and what it represents by touching the number for that one. You can usually spot the statues from some distance because they’re bright yellow. They make great Kodak moments. You might even suggest the grandkids keep a journal of the trip and download their cell phone photos when getting back home to paste in their journal. The Matthews Garfield, who is dressed for fishing, was originally located at the covered bridge, but had to be moved because of flooding. It’s now at the town hall. In Jonesboro he’s dressed as a firefighter because the town had the first volunteer fire department in the county. In Sweetser, he’s waving from the back of a railroad passenger coach. In Gas City

'8))(5 *$5),(/' ³ $ ORFDO 0DULRQ DUWLVW FUHDWHG *DUÀHOG LQ KLV 6FRWWLVK JROI WRJV IURP D WUHH WUXQN ,W·V NHSW LQVLGH WKH $UERU 7UDFH *ROI &OXE QRUWK RI 0DULRQ WR SURWHFW LW IURP WKH HOHPHQWV he represents the area’s historic glass blowing industry and in Upland he’s holding a three-scoop ice cream cone in front of the town’s famous Ivanhoe Drive-In. Garﬁeld’s suited up for basketball in Swayzee and in a red shirt and blue jeans like James Dean in Fairmount. Duffer Garﬁeld, which is located inside the clubhouse at Arbor Trace Golf Club north of Marion, has a particularly interesting story. It’s carved from a tree trunk by a local chain saw artist. It’s kept inside to protect it from the weather.

Be prepared to put on a couple hundred miles if you plan to visit all 14 locations. And be sure to check the website before going to learn if any of the statues have been removed for maintenance. If your car has video capability, take along the Garﬁeld movie to entertain the grandkids. So, why are the statues located in Grant County? It’s because cartoonist Jim Davis was born in Marion and grew up on a small farm in Fairmount where they had 25 cats. He studied art and business at Ball State University.

Living Well Living Wise at Hartsfield Village Stay safe and social at Hartsfield! Being a part of the Community Healthcare System Hartsfield Village offers state of the art disinfecting technology - Surfacide Helios System. Providing peace of mind for residents and their families. This is the same system that is being used in hospitals to combat viruses including COVID-19.

Call to schedule your virtual or in person tour TODAY! 219-934-0750

10000 Columbia Ave, Munster HartsfieldVillage.com

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May 2021 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ 19

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

St. Mary Medical Center seeking volunteers St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart, and Valparaiso Health Center are looking for volunteers, 18 years of age and older, who enjoy the opportunity to meet new people, keep active while providing important services and experience the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others. St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave., has a special need for eucharistic ministers and pastoral care workers, as well as volunteers for the information desk, registration, mailroom, surgical waiting area and the east entrance.

The Valparaiso Health Center, 3800 St. Mary Drive, also needs volunteers to greet, direct, escort and transport patients, as well as assist with sorting and delivering mail. For more information on how you can make a difference, contact volunteer services at (219) 947-6011. All precautions and guidelines are observed and masks are provided for health and safety. Volunteer positions are available at the Community Stroke and Rehabilitation Center, 10215 Broadway, Crown Point. Individuals, 18 years of age and older, who

are interested in greeting, directing, escorting and transporting patients for therapy services or to the vaccination clinic are encouraged to apply. Safety protocols are being observed and masks are provided as needed. To learn how your time and talents can be put to good use at the Community Stroke and Rehabilitation Center, contact volunteer services at (219) 947-6011. 92/817((5,1* 72*(7+(5 ³ -LP DQG 3HJJ\ 6QHOVRQ PDU ULHG IRU \HDUV HQMR\ YROXQWHHU LQJ WRJHWKHU DW 6W 0DU\ 0HGLFDO &HQWHU LQ +REDUW 3KRWR SURYLGHG

‘It Don’t Come Easy’ Starr’s first top 10 single Ringo Starr His songs may have lacked the depth and social commentary of those of his fellow ex-Beatles, but Ringo Starr fans could usually %\ 5$1'$/ count on hav& +,// ing fun when $ %RRPHU %ODVW hearing what 7R 7KH 3DVW he offered the world. Such is the case with “It Don’t Come Easy,” Starr’s first Top 10 Apple Records single. Backed by chorus vocals and featuring a jam band ambience, Starr’s initial solo hit almost sounds as if he had invited several friends into the studio and handed each a mic. Had that happened, one of those buddies surely would have been former bandmate George Harrison, who co-wrote the tune with Starr and played lead guitar on the track. Richard Starkey was born in Liverpool, England, in July 1940, and grew up poor in a neighborhood called the Dingle. Starkey, an only child, spent his youth in and out of hospitals, battling numerous diseases that kept him apart from home and school. To pass the time in various institutions, he learned to play drums and later explained, “I was in the hospital band… That’s where I really started playing. I never wanted anything else from there on.” Starkey spent little time on academics and was barely literate when he dropped out of school in his mid-teens. At home, he practiced drumming by beating on a cookie tin with sticks. In the mid-1950s, skiffle music (folk tunes performed on often homemade instruments) became popular in the UK. In 1957, the future Beatle co-founded the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, in which he banged on a secondhand drum kit or raked a thimble across a washboard. By the next year, though, skiffle had been replaced by a new musical craze — American rock ‘n’ roll. He eventually became the drummer in Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, Liverpool’s most popular rock outfit. It was there that Starkey became Ringo Starr,

so named for the several rings that glistened on the ﬁngers of both hands. Then, in 1962, he was hired to replace departing Beatles drummer Pete Best. While in the Fab Four, Starr was usually allotted one lead vocal track per album. That’s him you hear on “Yellow Submarine,” “Octopus’s Garden”

and “With a Little Help From My Friends.” The Beatles reached the end of their professional road in 1970. By then, each band member had grown up, become married and was following his own musical muse. Successful solo careers were soon carved out by George Harrison (“My Sweet Lord”), John

Lennon (“Instant Karma”) and Paul McCartney (“Another Day”). Starr, though, stumbled out of his own starting gate. His ﬁrst two albums, “Sentimental Journey” and “Beaucoups of Blues,” were sales disappointments. But, in the spring of 1971, Starr released the non-LP single of “It Don’t Come Easy,” which became

a worldwide winner. During the next two years, he enjoyed success with six more hit 45s, including two — “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen” — that reached the peak of the Billboard charts. In 2020, Ringo Starr was cited as the world’s wealthiest drummer, with a net worth of $350 million.

Richard and Kathi Harmon of Fort Wayne visited the Embassy of the United States of America in Jerusalem, Israel. They traveled with a Chicago area tour group. The U.S. Embassy opened its Jerusalem location in 2018. Before that, it was located in Tel Aviv. Jerusalem, “The Holy Land,” is known for its tradition, religion and history, but also for its modern culture and heritage. Thriving as one of the oldest cities in the world, travelers can experience many places referred to in the Bible. Some areas to discover would be the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where worshippers believe Jesus’ crucification was held; the Western wall of the Temple Mount, a prayer wall considered the most holiest site by the Judaism religion; and the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was arrested the eve before his self-sacrifice. Also one can stroll down the Via Dolorosa, the processional route Jesus walked to his mortal death. The Tower of David Museum offers the history of Jerusalem to its visitors. To explore the cultures of people in the Bible, head to the Bible Lands Museum. Archeology lovers can visit the Jerusalem Archeological Park to view the excavated ruins of ancient Jerusalem. Also worth experiencing is the Israel Museum, known for harboring the Dead Sea scrolls, art and archaeological exhibits. The Rockefeller Museum houses an extraordinary collection of antiquities unearthed between 1919 and 1948 and the Western Wall Tunnels in the Old City is an underground historic find. Tourists vacationing in Jerusalem can trek through the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo and see the collection of Afro-Asiatic wildlife, or explore the Yad Vashem World Holocaust ,I \RX DUH WDNLQJ D YDFDWLRQ DQG SODQ WR WUDYHO WDNH DORQJ 6HQLRU /LIH DQG WDNH D SLFWXUH Remembrance Center, a group of museums RI D IULHQG RU \RXUVHOI UHDGLQJ 6HQLRU /LIH 7KH SKRWR PD\ EH WDNHQ DQ\ZKHUH LQ WKH 8QLWHG and memorials dedicated to Holocaust re6WDWHV RU DEURDG EXW QHHGV WR EH LQ IURQW RI DQ LGHQWLÀDEOH ODQGPDUN membrance and learning. For those who desire an authentic Israeli food experience, 6HQG WKH SKRWR DORQJ ZLWK \RXU QDPH DGGUHVV WHOHSKRQH QXPEHU DQG SKRWR LGHQWLÀFDWLRQ WR take in the Machane Yehuda Market. A self6HQLRU /LIH 3 2 %R[ 0LOIRUG ,1 guided tour along with punch card vouchers 6HQLRU /LIH ZLOO SD\ \RX IRU WKH SLFWXUH LI LW·V SXEOLVKHG :LQQLQJ SKRWRV ZLOO EH SXE allow visitors to sample a variety of food and OLVKHG PRQWKO\ 5HPHPEHU WR LGHQWLI\ \RXU SKRWR LQFOXGH QDPHV RI SHRSOH LQ SKRWR IURP drinks. OHIW WR ULJKW GDWH WDNHQ DQG VSHFLÀF ORFDWLRQ IRU RXU SXEOLVKLQJ SXUSRVHV SOXV DQ\ LQWHUHVWLQJ A big thank you to the Harmons for takLQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH ORFDWLRQ ing Senior Life to “the holiest of cities.”

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20 ■ SENIOR LIFE ■ May 2021

www.seniorlifenewspapers.com

Fred ‘Killer’ Burke —

Al Capone, Berrien County and gangsters %\ 3$6725 *5(* /$:621 0 0LQ 06: *XHVW :ULWHU (EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of a two-part series.) —o— The 1920s and 1930s were ﬁlled with gangsters, bootleggers, bank robbers and killers. The gangster life of Fred “Killer” Burke is quite vast for my limited space, so the highlights will be addressed in the part two story. Records reveal that “one gangster wound up in Stevensville (Michigan), known to his neighbors as Fred Dane and, in December of 1929, police and citizens of Berrien County would learn that his real name was Fred “Killer” Burke, wanted in Chicago for his leading role in the murder of seven members of the Bugs Moran gang, known as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.” Many people believed that “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre was thought to have been arranged by Al Capone ...” It was also believed, and later established, that Burke was a main suspect in the massacre. It was a Saturday night, Dec. 14, 1929, when “St. Joseph

city officer Charles Skelly was on foot patrol at the corner of Broad and State streets.” Skelly was told that a Hudson coupe had damaged the fender of a driver’s car and the drivers were unable to settle the damage. Skelly jumped up on the running board of the Hudson and ordered both drivers to drive to the police station a short distance away at Broad and Main streets. Before they got to the police station they were stopped by a red traffic light. It was here, when the light turned green, that the driver of the Hudson pulled out “a Colt .45 caliber automatic from the door pocket and fired three bullets into Skelly’s body.” Several people who witnessed the shooting rushed Skelly to the St. Joseph hospital where he died at 11:10 p.m. His last words were ‘Get that guy.’ ” After the shooting, the Hudson driver fled but crashed into a tree. He fled on foot and commandeered several cars at gunpoint. Burke was unknown to be the driver up until the crash, but certain papers were found in the Hudson that made him the prime suspect in Skelly’s murder. Further evidence as to Burke’s identity was verified when police later searched his

home. A fingerprint made him a lead suspect in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and other crimes. Among the arsenal of weapons found in Burke’s home were two Thompson submachine guns linked to the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Finding Burke “became the highest priority with the Berrien County Sheriff’s office and St. Joseph city police.” In addition to a $1,000 reward, all information about Burke and Skelly’s murder was sent out to agencies in other areas. Somehow, Burke slipped out of Michigan and, by March 26, 1931, was in Green City, Mo. Luckily a local man recognized Burke and gave police a tip that led them to the suspect’s house. Still in bed and asleep, Burke was awakened and arrested. Chicago police could have extradited Burke but let Berrien County do the extradition due to the seriousness of the murder of Officer Skelly. Burke was transported back to St. Joseph, Mich., in an armored car fitted with machine guns and escorted under heavily armed guards. The transfer began at 4 a.m. on a Sunday and ended at 8:26 p.m. when Burke was booked and locked in his cell. Records reveal, “On April 27, 1931, Burke pled guilty to

second degree murder of Ofﬁcer Charles Skelly and was sentenced to life in prison ...” He refused to identify anyone involved in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Out of the life sentence, Burke served only nine years. Then, “On July 10, 1940, a massive heart attack claimed the life of the infamous gangster, murderer and short-time resident of Berrien County.” Burke, “a model prisoner who raised canaries in his cell, died peacefully in his sleep.” (Any information welcome to Dr./Pastor Greg Lawson, 1801 E. 3rd St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.)

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that protect your skin from becoming brittle and scaly. Soap ingredients are designed to remove dirt, but they also take away that protective layer. Skin specialists recommend lukewarm water for baths or showers, which should be limited to 10 minutes or less. They also suggest patting yourself dry rather than rubbing vigorously, so you don’t irritate your skin. Mature Life Features, copyright 2021

Spring into May Savings at

1 Bedroom

The Residences at Merrillville Lakes

from

$1,074

18 mo. lease + Amenity Fee (Prices subject to change)

219.650.5000

2 Bedrooms

8400 Grant Circle Merrillville, IN 2 Blocks South Of U.S. 30

from

$1,230

18 mo. lease + Amenity Fee (Prices subject to change)

www.merrillvillelakes.com

DAILY OPEN HOUSE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. & Sun. by appointment

Apartment Amenities & Features Include: * Upgraded Finishes * Cable & Internet & Health Club Membership With All Apts. * Fully Equipped Kitchen

* Fireplaces & Vaulted Ceilings Available * Oversized Floor Plans

Best Value In Town!

* Newly Upgraded Finished Luxury Apts.

Community Amenities Included For Those 55 & Over: * Gated, Fenced * Attached Garages * Elevators * Swimming Pool * Private Movie Theater * Weekly Planned Activities

* Ideal Location * Pet Friendly * 24-Hr. Fitness Center * 3 Catch/Release Fishing Ponds

2 Months* Rent

FREE

* Prorated over 18 months.