Senior Life - Allen County - July 2026 by The Papers Inc.

Music defined CEO’s career

By LINDA LIPP Feature Writer

Dan Ross was about 14 years old when he knew, with certainty, that he wanted to make a living playing trumpet in a symphony orchestra.

He did just that for 40 years, beginning in 1983 when he was hired by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

Along the way, like many musicians, he held a variety of jobs, including teaching and contracting musicians for visiting theater companies, often working several positions at once.

Ross joined the management ranks at Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne 17 years ago but gave up performing only when he was named president and CEO three years ago.

“I decided it was time to do just one job,” Ross said.

During his tenure, Ross oversaw the $41 million renovation of the landmark Arts United Center in downtown Fort Wayne. The project, funded by public and private sources, began in 2024 after years of planning.

“We worked years and years before we ever broke ground,” Ross said.

The center, designed by renowned American architect Louis Kahn, reopened in October 2025.

The renovation focused on three priorities: preserving the historically significant building, updating the theater’s 50-yearold technology and improving accessibility and user experience.

Maintaining Kahn’s vision was essential, Ross said.

“Maintaining that essence of Louis Kahn was critical to the project,” he said.

The theater opened in 1973, years before the Americans with Disabilities Act became law.

“We wanted to make sure we were addressing the needs of people of all abilities, not just from an audience perspective,

but for the people who were going to be performers onstage and tech people, many of whom are volunteers,” Ross said.

Some questioned whether the project’s cost was too high.

“But this is a pretty remarkable community, pretty ambitious in its thinking,” Ross said.

“What we found is, as we talked to community leaders, they realized this is important. It’s important to the community to have this. And this is what it costs.”

With the renovation complete, Ross announced in April that he will retire this fall.

“Now we’re in strategic planning as an organization. We’re looking at that next thing,” he said. “It’s time for new leadership.”

Ross recently turned 65. His wife, Anna, retired 1½ years ago as executive director of Audiences Unlimited.

“It felt like the right time for our family, and also for the organization,” he said.

Ross said he is not yet sure what retirement will bring, beyond spending more time with his children, grandchildren and parents, who live in Carmel.

Ross grew up in Indianapolis. His father and uncle were both trumpet players, and his uncle performed with the Indianapolis Symphony. Their influence gave him early exposure to the instrument.

“It just seemed to come naturally to me,” he said.

Ross studied trumpet at the Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington and applied for positions in several cities before landing the Fort Wayne Philharmonic job.

Looking back, he realizes few young people know their career path as early as he did.

“I encourage them to just be on a path, be moving,” Ross said.

“Your path may bend, take on a new road, but just be moving and see where it leads you.”

Meeting The Challenge: Growing the next generation of hospice professionals

By BONNIE BLACKBURN-PENHOLLOW Director of Communications Stillwater Hospice

One of the biggest issues facing hospice care today is the shortage of health care workers. Hospice programs across the country are struggling to find enough nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care counselors, and other professionals to care for patients and families. At the same time, more people are needing hospice care as America’s population grows older. Hospice care is special because it focuses not only on medical

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Burnout has caused some people to leave health care careers, while others are retiring. As a result, some hospice providers are finding it harder to recruit and keep qualified staff members.

This shortage can directly affect patients and families. Some hospice providers may need to

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ARTS UNITED Dan Ross was named president and CEO of Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne three years ago. Photo by Linda Lipp.

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What makes Nomadic Excursions unique is its commitment to personalized service. Travelers are never treated like a reservation number. From the moment a trip is announced until the motorcoach returns home, the team works diligently to ensure every detail is handled professionally. Guests can relax knowing accommodations, attractions, transportation and

logistics have been carefully coordinated.

Trust is one of the company’s core values. Nomadic Excursions believes travelers deserve transparency, honest communication and dependable service. The company has built strong relationships with quality travel partners while maintaining a customer-first approach. When guests travel with Nomadic Excursions, they can do so with confidence knowing their experience is backed by a team that genuinely cares.

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Lifelong zoo fan now serves as volunteer

By NGOZI ROGERS Feature Writer

Who can forget their first visit to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo? Russ Crumrine remembers his first visit during the zoo’s opening week in 1965.

“I have pictures of me here in July 1965 when I was 9 years old,” Crumrine said. “I have a picture of me feeding goats then.”

That experience stayed with him for more than 40 years.

Crumrine, a Fort Wayne native, left his hometown and spent 23 years on active duty in the Army and nearly 20 years as a civilian faculty member at the Army Command and Staff College. He often returned to visit the renamed Fort Wayne Zoo.

“When I came home to visit my parents with my daughters, there were always visits to the zoo with the grandparents,” Crumrine said. “So, it’s always been a part of my life.”

When Crumrine retired in 2021, he returned to Fort Wayne and looked for volunteer opportunities.

“The zoo was the first one that I connected with,” Crumrine said. “I started here two months later.”

Crumrine has primarily worked with giraffes, stingrays and - you guessed it - goats. He began recording observations of the tigers and giraffes last year. He admits he has a favorite, but don’t tell the other animals.

many favorite stories, but the Dream Night event in 2023 stands out. That night, families with children facing chronic or life-threatening medical conditions had the African Journey exhibit to themselves.

“You see the kids’ interaction, their smiles, along with their siblings,” Crumrine said. “And I think you can see the parents going, ‘I can finally do something for this kid.’”

Being a zoo volunteer has other perks.

making that connection, watching people smile - that’s fun,” Crumrine said.

He also wants everyone to know that the Fort Wayne Zoo is self-supporting and receives no tax-dollar support. That’s why the more than 1,000 hours he and the other 574 volunteers contribute each year are so important.

The zoo exists because of the community and its volunteers. And it’s a great way to stay active and enjoy life.

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He and Picasso, a 12-yearold calico-colored goat, have a special connection. While most goats rubbed their heads on Crumrine’s broom handle to relieve an itch, Picasso sought more attention.

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“Picasso put his hooves up on my thigh,” Crumrine said. “I would sit on a stump, and Picasso started coming over. That’s become kind of our thing.”

After volunteering for more than four years, Crumrine has

“It’s kind of neat knowing what’s going on behind the scenes,” Crumrine said.

That includes knowing that two North American bald eagles, Liberty and Spirit, were coming to the zoo this month before the public announcement.

He also learns more about the animals, the zoo’s strategic plan and wildlife conservation efforts so he can educate the public.

“Getting people to understand the need for conservation and

“My advice, even if you’re not retired, is find something to do,” Crumrine said.

The Fort Wayne Zoo will celebrate its 61st anniversary July 3. The bald eagle exhibit ribbon-cutting ceremony is July 1. The Rock and Roar 21-and-over summer concert series begins July 10 and continues July 24.

Visit fwzoo.com or its Facebook page for upcoming events and information on becoming a volunteer or call (260) 427-6800.

THE HEART OF THE ZOO Russ Crumrine answers questions about giraffes at the Fort Wayne Zoo. Volunteers in maroon shirts educate visitors on wildlife conservation, animal behavior and much more.

Photo by Ngozi Rogers.

ALLEN COUNTY CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

By NGOZI ROGERS Feature Writer

Happy birthday, America.

The nation is commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking its 250th anniversary. This historic milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the country’s shared history, ideals and enduring civic legacy.

If a 100th anniversary is called a centennial and a 200th anniversary is known as a bicentennial, what do you call a 250th anniversary? The term semiquincentennial means a 250th anniversary. Some also refer to it as a bisesquicentennial or a quarter-millennial anniversary.

Others may simply say, “Happy 250th birthday, America!”

Whatever the name, Allen County is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a signature parade, a rededication

ceremony at Historic Fort Wayne (The Old Fort), live music and historical exhibits. The festivities are part of countywide initiatives taking place throughout July and the remainder of the year.

America 250 Events

In Allen County Saturday, July 4

Fort Wayne

Signature Fourth of July Parade

Beginning at 10 a.m., Mayor Sharon Tucker and the city of Fort Wayne will host a patriotic parade along South Calhoun Street. The parade will start at Creighton Avenue and end at Main Street. The theme is “Celebrate America: 250 Years United.” The family-friendly event is open to the public. Fireworks will also go off that night in downtown Fort Wayne.

America’s 250th Celebration at The Old Fort in Fort Wayne From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors

can attend the grand rededication of the newly-reopened Old Fort. Activities include celebrity guests, historical infantry and artillery demonstrations, period artisans and the city’s annual fireworks display.

New Haven Flag Retirement Ceremony

Beginning at noon, the 122nd Fighter Wing will honor the ceremony with a flyover at New Haven City Hall, 8115 Lincoln Highway East.

Sunday, July 5

Fort Wayne

Patriotic Concert

From 2-3 p.m., enjoy a free outdoor performance by the American Legion Band of Fort Wayne and the New Horizons Band at the Park Foundation Pavilion in Promenade Park.

America’s Family Potluck at Metea County Park

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., families are invited to bring a dish to share and enjoy the park’s trails, wetlands, swimming lake and other amenities. Visitors can also explore the Meno-aki State Nature Preserve along Cedar Creek, located near Leo-Cedarville. Visit allencountyparks.org/ parks/metea.

July 1-31

Fort Wayne

Allen County America 250

The Allen County Public Library’s Main Library will feature America 250 exhibits and displays, along with themed scavenger hunts for children and adults. Visitors can also view an exhibit on Civil War scandals at the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research. Admission is free. Visit acpl. lib.in.us/america250.

Commemorating Milestones

The History Center’s Sue Ann Slane Rotating Gallery will feature exhibits highlighting past and current centennial, sesquicentennial and bicentennial celebrations in Fort Wayne, Allen County and the surrounding region. Regular admission fees and hours apply. For details, visit the History Center’s website, fwhistorycenter.org.

America250 celebrations will culminate nationwide July 4, with federal, state and local programs marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Events across the country include community festivals, historical reenactments and charitable initiatives.

For more information, visit visitfortwayne.com/allencountyamerica250.

‘Summer Nights at the Embassy’ returns

The Embassy has announced the 11th season of “Summer Nights at the Embassy,” beginning Wednesday, July 8, and continuing for eight weeks through Wednesday, Aug. 26. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with live performances from 6 to 9 p.m.

The historic Embassy Theatre will once again

welcome the community for its “Summer Nights” music series, offering live entertainment in the Embassy’s multitiered ballroom overlooking downtown Fort Wayne. The seasonal series invites patrons to enjoy an evening of live music, featured cocktails and local food vendors in one of the city’s unique entertain

ment settings.

In addition to performances inside the ballroom, the Embassy’s rooftop patio will be open throughout the evening, giving guests the opportunity to relax and take in views of the downtown skyline while listening to music broadcast throughout the rooftop space.

Admission is $5. Tickets are available through the STAR Bank Box Office by calling (260) 424-5665 or online through Ticketmaster and the Embassy Theatre website.

For more information or tickets, visit the Embassy Theatre website at fwembassytheatre.org/events/sum

mer-nights.

Summer Nights Lineup

July 8 - Mason Dixon Line

July 15 - Yacht Party

July 22 - Connor Christian

July 29 - Ty Causey

Aug. 5 - West Central Quartet

Aug. 12 - Chris Worth

Aug. 19 - Wade’s World Aug. 26 - Hubie Ashcraft

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Inside ‘The Outsiders,’ a realistic fiction

By RANDAL C. HILL

In the mid-1960s, Oklahoma adolescent Susan Eloise Hinton had a problem with books available to her. “Realistic teenage fiction didn’t exist,” she claimed. “If you didn’t want to read ‘Mary Jane Goes to the Prom,’ there was nothing to read. I wanted to write something that dealt with what I saw kids really doing.”

The book that Hinton wrote for herself ended up becoming something for millions of others to read and think about while also struggling to navigate the often-turbulent waters of teen society that sweep students through their hectic high school years.

Born in 1948, the older daughter of a Tulsa door-to-door salesman and a factory worker, Hinton began composing her novel when she was 15 and completed it a year later. Much of it was written in the library at Will Rogers High School, where she was an apathetic student. (Hinton earned a

D in a creative writing class.)

She found her groove with “The Outsiders,” a tale that left out parents, teachers, or any other authority figures. “Every teenager feels that adults have no idea what’s going on,” she maintained. Her gritty narrative detailed conflicts between two young groups in her town. One was the “socs” (pronounced “soshes”), for “socials”), the privileged Tulsa students who lived in tony neighborhoods and often took cruel delight in provoking working-class “greasers” who were out walking the streets.

Greasers were poor kids from ramshackle neighborhoods, adolescents who smoked and wore leather jackets and committed petty crimes - and who dreaded confrontations with the socs.

Hinton’s working-class neighborhood included lots of greasers, kids whom Hinton counted among her closest friends. Her inspiration for “The Outsiders” came about when a local friend was beaten after leaving a movie theater one night. She focused her story on a tough but sensitive 14-year-old greaser nicknamed Ponyboy Curtis.

Hinton took care to craft characters with good and bad traits

from both groups. “I had friends on the rich side of town, too,” she said. “They had their share of problems, also.”

She later showed her manuscript to a friend’s mother, who wrote children’s books. The lady helped Hinton shop “The Outsiders” around, and it was snapped up by Viking Press, only the second publisher to look at it.

Viking recommended that Susan use her initials to hide her identity as a female writer.

“The Outsiders” went ignored at first, and S. E. Hinton’s first royalty check was for a paltry ten dollars. Viking considered axing the publication until the company realized that teachers and librarians were the main people ordering copies. Over time, lots and lots of copies. Today it’s a mainstay in many school English classes, although controversy has often followed the work due to its portrayal of gang violence, family dysfunction, and use of strong language and slang.

Susan’s groundbreaking work has now sold over 15 million books. Honored as the first YA (Young Adult) novel - and the best-selling work ever from that genre - “The Outsiders” continues to sell about 500,000 copies each year.

Bibliography

Book: Hinton, S. E. “The Outsiders.” New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, 1995, 1967. Internet: “Author Profile. S. E. Hinton: Still Connecting After All These Years.” (No author or date listed) schoolibraryconnection. com.; “Exclusive Interview with S. E. Hinton.” (No author or date listed) theoutsidersfanclub.weebly.com. All Hinton quotes are from here; S. E. Hinton, The Out-

siders (novel). (No author or date listed) en.wikipedia.org; Italie, Hillel. “40 Years Later, Hinton’s ‘The Outsiders’ Still Strikes a Chord Among Readers.” Oct. 3, 2007; legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com.

Michaud, Jon. “S. E. Hinton and the YA Debate.” Oct. 14, 2014. newyorker.com; Tensley, Brandon. “The Enduring Fascination of S. E. Hinton’s ‘The Outsiders.’” April 26, 2017. psmag.com.

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Q. I think my spouse has dementia. What resources are available to support me as a caregiver?

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Q. I think my spouse has dementia. What resources are available to support me as a caregiver?

Q. Is PACE a nursing home?

A . No. Although it requires nursing home level of care, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is not a nursing home. It is an integrated care option, such as a Medicare Advantage Plan, that provides superior health outcomes in comparison with other integrated Medicare and Medicaid health plans.

A . You are not alone. More than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, including over 120,000 Hoosiers.

Over the past several years, AIHS has expanded its services to address the rising need for dementia speciﬁc support. Wherever you are in your dementia journey, AIHS is here to support you.

Katie Hougham

Katie Hougham Senior Vice President, PACE Operations

Q. Does Medicare cover both Urgent Care and Emergency Rooms?

PACE provides both clinical and social care under one roof. Services are coordinated through the Interdisciplinary Team (IDTeam). The IDTeam is led by the PACE Medical Director and is made up of professionals from 11 disciplines, including operations, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, home care, personal care attendants, transportation, social work and more.

Our Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) program is a free clinic that can provide dementia diagnosis, ongoing clinical and social support, care navigation, education and more to support eligible individuals living alone with dementia or with a caregiver.

Recently, AIHS established the Northeast Indiana Dementia Alliance (NIDA) to bring together organizations dedicated to addressing gaps in care for dementia patients.

Per the study, PACE enjoys broad support because it is cost effective for taxpayers and families.An alternative to nursing home care, PACE provides seniors with an opportunity to remain safely independent while reducing the strain on families and caregivers to deliver a better quality of life.

injuries, infections, or a sudden cold, urgent care is often faster and less expensive. Most centers accept Medicare. Telehealth and your primary care provider are also great first stops for routine concerns.

New research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows PACE Participants have signiﬁcantly lower rates of hospitalization, emergency room use and death.

The AIHS Family Caregiver Center offers biweekly support groups led by Aging Brain Care-Certiﬁed staff, covering various topics related to the caregiving journey.

Ready to start receiving support in aging independently? Find out if you qualify by visiting us online at www.pacenein.org or call 260-469-4148.

If you’re interested in learning more about the latest advances in Alzheimer’s treatments, available care and support services in the community and would like to participate in a dementia simulation, join us for a dementia workshop on Monday, April 27th. RSVP is required for this free event. Visit https://shorturl.at/ boUks to reserve your spot.

A. Yes! Both Urgent Care facilities and Emergency Rooms are required to be covered by Medicare plans including Original Medicare (Part B), Medicare Supplements (after Medicare pays first), and Medicare Advantage plans. But when something unexpected happens, choosing the right place to get care matters, especially when you’re on Medicare. For true emergencies like chest pain, stroke symptoms, or serious injuries, the emergency room is the right call. Medicare Part B helps cover ER visits, but copays and facility fees can add up. For non-emergencies like minor

Questions about how your Medicare plan covers urgent care or ER visits? We’re here to answer them! Give us a call at (260) 484-7010.

AUTHOR OF ‘THE OUTSIDERS’ Susan Eloise Hinton, author of “The Outsider” was inducted into the Will Rogers High School Community Foundation in 1989. Photo from Will Rogers High School Community Foundation.

Dementia Outreach Specialist

Elder Law

Irrevocable Asset Protection Trusts and Medicaid Planning

An Irrevocable Asset Protection Trust is an estate planning tool that can help protect assets while also planning for the possibility of future long-term care needs. Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare does not generally pay for long-term nursing home care. Medicaid may help, but only after strict financial rules are met.

With an irrevocable trust, a person transfers selected assets into the trust. Because the trust is irrevocable, the person giving the assets away cannot simply take them back. The tradeoff is that after 5 years Medicaid will not count the transferred assets toward Medicaid eligibility.

These trusts are often used to protect homes, farmland, investment accounts, or other assets intended for children or loved ones. They may also help avoid probate and provide orderly management of property after death.

However, an irrevocable trust is not right for everyone. The person creating the trust gives up direct control over the transferred assets, and timing is very important. Planning early is usually best.

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Senior Relocation

Scheerer McCulloch:

Your trusted partner in auction, real estate and moving: Introducing Relocation Services

Several years ago, some friends whom had Moving can be a stressful experience for a wide range of people, not just seniors. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating for work, or handling life changes such as divorce or inheritance, the process can feel overwhelming. A few years ago, I spoke with friends who had recently moved from their family home to a retirement community. They shared how the coordination, delays, and stress made the experience challenging. This inspired me to expand our services beyond seniors to help anyone facing a move.

With a background in real estate, auctions, and appraisals, I recognized how our comprehensive services could ease the burden. Today, my team offers professional moving, real estate brokerage, antique and home appraisals,

auctioneering, floor planning, climate-controlled storage, and both online and onsite auctions. We also provide complete property clean-up, selling items, and removing non-salable belongings. Our goal is to make every move seamless, stress-free, and efficient.

We serve clients across surrounding counties and beyond, ensuring everyone has access to reliable, compassionate support during their transition. Contact us today for a free consultation and experience a smoother move. Call (260) 441-8636. We’re here to help.

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Golf gives lifelong adventure

By NGOZI ROGERS Featured Writer

Lori Stinson loves basketball. In fourth grade, she attended the Ward Smith Basketball Camp at Tri-State University, now Trine University, in Angola. Growing up, she spent hours playing horse with her parents in the driveway.

Basketball may have been her first love, but golf stole her heart and has never let go.

“I started playing more golf tournaments and fell in love with it,” Stinson said.

Sports have always been a part of the Stinson family. Her parents encouraged her and her brother, Brad, to participate in a variety of activities, including racquetball, tennis, bowling, downhill skiing, basketball and golf. Stinson began playing golf at age 9.

The family didn’t just support sports - they played together.

“We played golf on the weekends growing up and would go to Myrtle Beach for spring break during high school,” Stinson said.

Her family also became her biggest supporters. One of her favorite memories is having her father serve as her caddie during high school and college.

“He was on the bag in ‘18 when I won at Chestnut Hills Golf Club, and my Aunt Bonnie was my caddie in ‘19 when I won at Autumn Ridge,” Stinson said.

Golf has provided opportunities far beyond competition. While playing for Indiana University, she traveled across the country.

“We would always remark, ‘Here it is a weekend and we’re in Palo Alto, California,

playing golf - how lucky are we?’” she said.

During a national tournament at Arizona State University, she met World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, who was then a college senior.

“My teammate and I are both left-handed,” Stinson said. “He walked by on the range and joked that we hit from the ‘right side’ of the ball.”

Stinson later coached golf at Tri-State College in Indiana and Grand Valley State University in Michigan.

“In 2004, our men’s and women’s teams went to Ireland to play golf,” she said. “It remains one of my favorite trips.”

Today, Stinson combines her love of golf with her career as a Realtor with Northeastern Realty Group.

“I love getting involved with charities and helping raise money through golf, including for LAMB and the Blue Ball Open for prostate cancer,” she said.

She continues to compete at a high level. Stinson is a fivetime Fort Wayne Women’s City Champion and the 2025 Indiana State Senior Women’s Golf Association tournament champion. She plans to play as long as possible, following the example of her mother, who competed into her 80s.

“Golf is one of the few sports you can enjoy for a lifetime,” she said.

As vice president of the Fort Wayne Women’s Golf Association, Stinson said the sport welcomes women of all ages and skill levels. Toni Ohlman, 86, who has been a member of the association for more than 30 years, agreed.

“I love interclub golf because the women take golf seriously, but they don’t take

themselves seriously,” Ohlman said.

The Fort Wayne Women’s Golf Association City Tournament is scheduled for July 12-13 at Chestnut Hills Golf Club. Divisions are available for seniors ages 50 and older and super seniors ages 70 and older.

Stinson hopes more women - especially seniors and those who think they are “not good enough” - will give golf a try.

“Golf has given me lifelong friendships, opportunities to travel the world and memories I’ll cherish forever,” she said.

For more information or to register, visit FWWGA.com.

LOVE OF THE GAME Lori Stinson tees off at Chestnut Hills Golf Course in Fort Wayne. The five-time Fort Wayne Women’s City Champion encourages women of all ages and skill levels to compete in the city tournament July 12-13. Photo courtesy of Lori Stinson.

Community resource fair to feature free activities, screenings

BY SHELBIE BROWN President of the Board of Directors Whitley County Council on Aging

The Woodlands (Whitley County Council on Aging) has announced the Whitley Resource Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Indian Springs Middle School, 1692 SR 9, Columbia City.

The mission of the event is to offer a variety of services, products and information that support Whitley County residents

of all ages in leading active and fulfilling lives. Resources will be available in six categories: empty nesters and seniors, families, job fair, safety, schools and wellness.

The event replaces the annual senior health fair and is designed to connect all generations across Whitley County with vital community resources.

Free activities offered throughout the day include:

• Free lunch for the first 500 attendees.

• Vendor marketplace featuring nonprofit and for-profit businesses.

• Back-to-school supplies and backpacks.

• Back-to-school haircuts.

• Sports physicals.

• Dental screenings for all ages; pre-registration is encouraged.

• Sensory station.

• Story time.

• Craft tables.

• Shoe vouchers.

• Door prizes and more.

To register as a vendor, visit shorturl.at/kQ17W. The deadline to register is July 1. For more information, contact Aimee Ray at activities@wccoa.biz or call (260) 248-8944.

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Foellinger Theatre announces summer concert lineup

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel has announced the Foellinger Theatre summer concert series, “Music. Memories. Summer Nights,” has begun.

The season features a mix of classic and progressive rock, glam metal, soft rock,

pop-rock favorites, melodic rock, English reggae, Indiana new grass and a children’s show, with performances by artists popular in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, as well as Ninja Kidz.

Tickets are on sale for the following shows unless otherwise noted:

• Kansas and 38 Special, 7:30 p.m. July 10.

• Three Dog Night, 7:30 p.m. July 17.

• Debutants present The Hoot, 7 p.m. July 24.

• Ninja Kidz Live, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4.

Other concerts are:

• UB40, 6 p.m. Oct. 4.

F-16 flyover to kick off Fourth of July parade

Residents and visitors attending the Celebrate America, 250 Years United Fourth of July parade will experience a military aerial flyover to kick off the event.

The flyover will feature a tactical formation of two, F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft

executing a low-altitude pass over the parade route along South Calhoun Street at approximately 10 a.m.

The parade route begins at Creighton Avenue and continues north on South Calhoun Street to Main Street. The family-friendly

event is free and open to the public.

The Celebrate America, 250 Years United Parade is presented by the city of Fort Wayne and Steel Dynamics. Sponsors include Fort Wayne Metals and Surack Enterprises.

Open Streets Fort Wayne returns Aug. 16

Residents will have a chance to bike, walk and play through downtown Fort Wayne when Open Streets Fort Wayne returns Sunday, Aug. 16.

Mayor Sharon Tucker and the city’s public works division announced the free event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, along more than 20 blocks of Calhoun Street.

The annual event closes the roadway to vehicle traffic and opens it to people traveling by foot, bicycle, wheelchair and other nonmotorized means. Organizers said about 125 activity providers will offer games, music, food and family-friendly activities through-

out the route.

New attractions this year include a meet-and-greet with players from Fort Wayne FC, live ice sculpting, a rapid chess tournament, a fitness challenge with a leaderboard and roping activities hosted by Summit Equestrian Club.

“Unique events like Open Streets bring us together as a community to spend time with family and friends, meet new people, and try fun activities,” Tucker said in a statement. “We have so much to experience and celebrate in Fort Wayne. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the special day.”

Greenways Program Manag-

er Rick Zolman said organizers expect 125 activity providers to participate and encouraged residents to attend “by wheel, heel, roll or stroll.” He said free ice cream cones, provided by Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream while supplies last, will be available during what organizers describe as Fort Wayne’s largest block party.

Organizers are also seeking volunteers to work 2½-hour shifts before, during and after the event.

Additional information, activity updates and volunteer registration are available at Open Streets Fort Wayne website cityoffortwayne.in.gov/854/ Open-Streets.

• “Ghostbusters” in concert with a live orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10.

“We see the Foellinger Theatre as more than just a concert venue - it’s a gathering place where people come together to share memorable live music experiences in one of Fort Wayne’s most beautiful park settings,” McDaniel said. “With major upgrades completed in 2025, including enhanced house and stage lighting along with audio system improvements, we’re positioned to continue elevating the guest and artist experience.”

He added that future programming will focus on partnerships and flexibility to bring more entertainment and community events to the venue.

“We anticipate announcing more concerts and will update the website as those concerts become available,” McDaniel said. “We appreciate our generous sponsors who help us keep our ticket prices low.

And we thank Honeywell Arts and Entertainment and Exceptional Artists for bringing exciting acts to our venue, where every seat in the house is a great one.”

Several free concerts are also scheduled this season, including performances by the Fort Wayne Area Community Band at 7:30 p.m. July 14 and Aug. 18; the New Millennium Jazz Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. July 8; and the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir at 7 p.m. July 31.

The series is sponsored by 103.9 Wayne, US 93.3, Hot 107.9 and 96.3XKE. Community concerts are sponsored by PBS Fort Wayne.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, 705 E. State Blvd., during regular business hours, or at the Foellinger Theatre box office from 6-10 p.m. on concert days.

More information is available at foellingertheatre.org or call (260) 427-6000.

By EDWIN THOMAS Co-owner Summit City Vintage

Old clothing is often mistaken for garbage. Through my store, Summit City Vintage, I aim to highlight its value and craftsmanship.

Vintage clothing offers connection to the past Debutants bring ‘The Hoot’ to Foellinger Theatre July 24

Located in downtown Fort Wayne, Summit City Vintage offers a wide variety of vintage clothing. As the owner, I consider myself a collector first and a seller second. My favorite styles generally date from before the 1970s, and lean toward the 1930s.

The quality and craftsmanship from that era are unmatched and remain desirable, even when garments show significant wear. I also enjoy wearing these styles because the fabrics are often more distinctive than those found in modern clothing.

Owning a store gives me the opportunity to connect with people who own vintage items or come across them unexpectedly. The store carries clothing from the 1920s through the 1990s, a nostalgic experience for anyone who grew up during that time.

More often than not, we have exactly what people are looking for.

Vintage clothing also makes a unique and personal gift. Some of the items I most enjoy finding include old high school apparel, such as sweatshirts, athletic wear and senior corduroy jackets. I also look for garments connected to local clubs and businesses, including car clubs, FFA chapters and roller-skating rinks.

If you are interested in selling vintage clothing, give us a call. I enjoy traveling, meeting new people and learning about

the history behind these items and their previous owners. We are also interested in concert and band T-shirts, Harley-Da-

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation has announced a new show at Foellinger Theatre this summer. Debutants will present “The Hoot,” featuring special guest Booze Hounds Bluegrass, at 7 p.m. Friday, July 24.

vidson T-shirts and other clothing from the 1980s and 1990s.

Summit City Vintage is

Knows,” “River on the Moon” and, most recently, “Fiddle and a Rose.”

located at 110 W. Columbia St., Suite 101, Fort Wayne. Call (260) 909-2865 for more information.

Debutants is a seven-piece Indiana Newgrass band from Fort Wayne that blends bluegrass instrumentation with indie folk, Americana and a spirit of musical exploration. Featuring guitar, mandolin, banjo, two fiddles, cello and upright bass, the group delivers high-energy performances marked by original songwriting, rich vocal harmonies and genre-blending arrangements.

Founded in 2017 by Eric Lee Reel, Booze Hounds Bluegrass was born from a love of traditional bluegrass and storytelling. Guided by the motto, “Bringing Mountain Music to the Flatlands,” the five-piece band is known for its musicianship, humor and onstage chemistry.

daily, Hoot Camp allows students to register for violin/ fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, upright bass, cello or viola instruction. Participants will learn from Debutants members, who are both touring performers and licensed educators. The week concludes with an opportunity for students to join the band onstage at Foellinger Theatre.

For more information about Hoot Camp, visit visitfortwayne.com/event/debutantshoot-camp/48543.

The band has released four albums in the past five years: “Indiana Newgrass,” “Nobody

The July 24 concert follows a week of Hoot Camp, held in partnership with Purdue Fort Wayne Community Arts Academy. The camp, scheduled for July 20-24, offers students in grades 4-12 an opportunity to explore ear training and improvisation in an acoustic string band setting.

Held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets for the concert are available through Ticketmaster or in person at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, 705 E. State Blvd., during regular business hours. For more information, visit foellingertheatre. org or call (260) 427-6000.

Embassy announces Buddy Nolan memorial concert

The Embassy Theatre will host five events in 2026 celebrating its historic Grande Page pipe organ. The series will feature solo organ performances and classic silent films accompanied by renowned organists showcasing the instrument’s unique musical and sound-effect capabilities.

The Grande Page event schedule includes:

• 3 p.m. Sunday, July 12The General (1926), featuring organist Dennis Scott.

• 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19

- Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert, featuring organist Richard Hills.

• 3 p.m. Sunday, July 26 - For Heaven’s Sake, featuring organist Mark Herman.

• 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9 - The Scarlet Letter, featuring organist Cletus Goens.

• 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30Flesh and the Devil, featuring organist Cletus Goens.

Installed in 1928, the Grande Page is one of only four organs of its kind. The instrument can replicate the sounds of multiple instruments and produce effects such as sirens, train whistles and birdsong, making it especially suited for accompanying silent films.

The Buddy Nolan Memorial

August 1st 10 AM to 2 PM Indian Springs 1692 IN-9 Columbia City

Concert honors long-time Embassy organist and volunteer Buddy Nolan for his contributions to the theater and its Grande Page organ program.

Ticket Information Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert

• Free for Embassy members.

• $10 for all other guests. Black And White Silent Film Series

• Free for Embassy members.

• $5 for guests ages 12 and younger and adults 65 and older.

•$10 for all other guests. For more information, visit fwembassytheatre.org.

Parade applications now available

The application to participate or volunteer in the Celebrate America, 250 Years United Parade is now available online. The website is engage. cityoffortwayne.org/parade.

Float criteria and participant age requirements may also be found at the same location.

The parade will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Residents, families and visitors are invited to line the parade route on South Calhoun Street, beginning at Creighton Avenue and ending at Main Street. This family-friendly event is open to all.

The Celebrate America, 250 Years United Parade is presented by the city of Fort Wayne and Steel Dynamics. Sponsors include Fort Wayne Metals and Surack Enterprises.

Maumee Valley Steam Show to be July 23-26

The 49th annual Maumee Valley Steam Show will be held July 23-26, at 1720 S. Webster Road, east of New Haven.

Organizers note that this year’s show is scheduled about three weeks earlier than in previous years. Daily admission is $5, and parking is free.

Visitors can take a trip back in time at the Maumee Valley Steam and Gas Association show, featuring the same types of equipment early Americans used to plow fields, thresh grain, saw lumber and make wood shingles. The show offers a glimpse into the tools and techniques that

helped build the nation. In addition to antique equipment demonstrations, visitors can browse a large flea market. A quilt show and a variety of food options, including steamed sweet corn, also will be available.

The DeKalb County Horsemen will provide free hayrides Friday and Saturday. Steam engine and tractor parades are scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday. A cruise-in featuring vintage cars and trucks will take place throughout the weekend.

The American Legion Band will perform at 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by Dee Bees playing

The view from here

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

oldies music at 7 p.m. Children can participate in a kiddie tractor pull at 2 p.m., watch an exotic animal show at 3 p.m. and enjoy a magic show at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Bill Werling and the Breakaway Square Dance Band will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday. Attendees are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes and get ready to do-si-do.

Exhibitors may participate free of charge but must register at the office to receive a plaque.

More information is available at maumeevalley.org or call (260) 748-4985.

It seems lately that my view expands. Even as my vision dims. I see more then I ever did. And every day it starts again. First and foremost is the blessing: I sleep good and I eat.

What my wife will cook, I consume.

Her cooking skills cannot be beat.

But it’s at my Windows 8.1, where the major fun is done.

Seeking to find a suitable rhyme, that might fit a poetic line.

Before perfection might come my way.

I practice for yet one more day.

I let my searching be my guide.

“It’s all good,” I must confide. Reality is, and that’s a fact. There really is no going back.

The future’s yet to come my way. I think I’ll just enjoy today.

STEAM SHOW — The 49th annual Maumee Valley Steam Show will be held July 23-26, east of New Haven. Photo provided by Maumee Valley Antique Steam and Gas Association.

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA

Editor’s note: Send listings of events, for nonprofit organizations only, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, or email Editor Phoebe Muthart by the 20th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

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Back to Our Roots: Enjoy live performances in the outdoor Prado Garden, where local music grows and up-and-coming talent takes root, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 27, at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Featured during $1 Thursdays, this

summer music series spotlights emerging artists and seasoned musicians in a relaxed garden setting. With Café Flora just steps away, cultivate local vibes at the Botanical Conservatory. Included with the $1 admission. No reservations are required.

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Pueblo Garden: Styles of the Southwest: Through Nov. 15, public hours at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Journey into the heart of the Southwest’s botanical heritage this summer and fall. Delight your senses with earthy aromas, vibrant hues and soothing sounds that transport you to a land where

Southeast Fort Wayne

tradition meets contemporary design. Encounter adobe-inspired structures and Pueblo gardening techniques, showcasing the resourcefulness and wisdom of indigenous communities. Immerse yourself in a breathtaking botanical display where Southwestern culture comes to life through the timeless beauty of Pueblo style. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation and the O’Rourke-Schof Family Foundation.

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Susan Kline presents “Find the Joy” from July 1-30, at The Orchard Gallery of Fine Art, 6312-A Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Also, in the window, beaded crazy quilt totes and bags for utilitarian FUN by Jody Hamm. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday. Closed on July 4. Be sure to visit this colorful and whimsical exhibition by these two guest artists this month. For more information, call (260) 436-0927 or visit theorchardgallery.com.

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Salomon Farmers’ Market: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, and

continuing each Wednesday until Sept. 2, at Salomon Farm Park, 317 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne. Find fresh produce, baked goods, honey and artisan crafts at this mid-week market.

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Retiree Rambles: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 2, at Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave., Fort Wayne. Make new friends and enjoy a low-impact, mid-morning walk through the woods at Lindenwood Nature Preserve. Meet by the office at the park entrance every first Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. before heading out. No registration is required. Just drop in and join the walk. Recommended for ages 50+, but all are welcome.

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250 Anniversary Patriotic Concert: 2 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St., Fort Wayne. Continue to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on Sunday with an afternoon of patriotic music at Promenade Park. The combined American Legion Band of Fort Wayne and the New Horizons Band will perform a free concert featuring beloved patriotic selections, honoring our nation’s history while bringing the community together through music. Families, veterans and music lovers of all ages are invited to enjoy this special celebration at the Park Foundation Pavilion. Seating is available on a first come basis.

—o—

Appleseed Quilters Guild July monthly meeting will

Jazzworks: 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Bring lawn chairs to the conservatory and enjoy one of the best views in town for the fourth of July fireworks. Before dark, groove to the jazz styling of local musicians Ty Causey, Sun.Dyle and Rhythm Bloom as they perform outdoors on the conservatory terrace. Food and beverage Continued on page 13 will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing Company and Jimmy’s BBQ; no outside food or beverage is permitted. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for all ages. Sponsored by Fort Wayne Metals, Mad Anthony Brewing Company, Jimmy’s BBQ, 89.1 WBOI and WANE 15.

Churubusco & Columbia City Fort Wayne Northeast

ApartmentLiving

BBB to host Shred Day Aug. 22 in Angola

Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Indiana

Charitable and Educational Foundation will host Shred Day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 22, or until the truck is full, at SonLight Community Church, 455 N. Gerald Lett Ave., Angola.

A $10 per vehicle fee is suggested for up to three banker-size boxes of documents. The event is sponsored by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union.

Identity theft remains a serious financial threat facing individuals, often resulting in significant financial loss, emotional stress and a time-consuming recovery process. Shredding sensitive documents is a simple and effective way for anyone to protect their personal information.

“As families prepare for the busy fall season, August is the perfect time to clear out old paperwork and securely

dispose of documents you no longer need,” said Jan Diaz, president and CEO of BBB Serving Northern Indiana. “Shred Day makes it easy to take an important step toward preventing identity theft while supporting a safer community for everyone.”

Not sure what to bring?

Consider shredding the following documents to protect your personal information from identity theft:

Bank statements, pay stubs and medical bills older than one year; paid utility bills older than one month; preapproved credit card or loan offers; supporting tax documents older than seven years; and ATM receipts.

What cannot be shredded:

Cardboard, phone books, hardcover books, wet or moldy paper, plastic bags or packaging, CDs, DVDs, USB drives, backup tapes, VHS tapes,

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA

Continued from page 12 month.

be held 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Mizpah Shrine Center, 1015 Memorial Way, Fort Wayne. Special program, nationally acclaimed speaker, Quilt Maven Dave, presents “What Makes A Quilter Tick?” Fee is $15 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit appleseedquiltersguild.com.

—o—

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation adds a new show to its lineup at the Foellinger Theatre. Honeywell Arts & Entertainment presents Three Dog Night with special guest Jay Psaros on Friday, July 17, at the Foellinger Theatre. Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, 705 East State Blvd., Fort Wayne.

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Appleseed Quilters Guild August monthly meeting will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Mizpah Shrine Center, 1015 Memorial Way, Fort Wayne. Special program, nationally acclaimed speaker, Rob Appell, “Quilts from the Sea and Beyond” (90 minutes) and a pop-up vendor booth. Fee is $15 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit appleseedquiltersguild.com.

—o—

Woodlands Senior Activity Center

For more information, call (260) 248-8944 or visit whitleycountycouncilonaging.org. The center is located at 710 Opportunity Drive, Columbia City.

Pixie bingo, 9 a.m. on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month.

Line dancing, 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Euchre, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday and Friday.

Bible study with Cheryl, 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Alzheimer/Dementia by Aging & In Home Services, 10 a.m on the first Thursday of each

transparencies, microfilm or microfiche, X-rays, plastic ID cards or badges, batteries, computer parts, electronic devices, printer or copier parts, large metal objects or hardware, trash or food waste, hazard-

ous materials, and medical or biohazard waste including needles.

What can be shredded: Office paper, mail and envelopes, paper folders (without the spine), and paper with staples, paper clips or rubber bands. For more information, contact Megan White, marketing manager and community engagement specialist, at (260) 918-2076 or meganw@northernindiana.bbb.org.

Fourth of July fireworks set for downtown Fort Wayne

The City of Fort Wayne announced the top of the Harrison Square parking garage that’s attached to Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne will be the location for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show Saturday, July 4. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.

The Fort Wayne TinCaps will be hosting a baseball game that evening beginning at 6:05 p.m.

Dominoes, noon Tuesday.

Chair exercises, 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Drumming for Joy with Lindsay, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Wednesday.

Blood pressure check, 10:45 a.m. the second Wednesday. Health class with Darcy Hoopingarner, 11 a.m. on the first Monday.

Birthday lunch/entertainment, second Thursday of each month. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and entertainment is at 12:15 p.m.

Rotary, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Tenderloin lunch, 11:30 a.m. the third Monday of each month. Entertainment is at 12:15 p.m.

Rural Respite with Aging and In Home Services, noon to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Miller’s craft/games, 12:15 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month.

Afternoon euchre, 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

Hand and foot card game, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Bible study with Bob, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Euchre tournament, 12:30 p.m. on the third Thursday.

Painting with Evie, 12:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.

Mah Jongg, 1 p.m. every other Monday.

The League, 1:30 p.m. every third Tuesday.

Individuals with tickets to that evening’s game will be able to enjoy the fireworks from their seats at the ballpark. If the TinCaps game is not completed by 10 p.m., the fireworks will begin immediately following the conclusion of the game.

This is a new site for the fireworks show. Following guidance from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Michigan Power

Cash Bingo, 5 p.m. Thursday starting mid-January.

Grieving with Kim, 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday.

McMillen Park Community Center

For information, visit fortwayneparks.org or call (260) 427-6000. The center is located at 3901 Abbott St., Fort Wayne.

Pickleball, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Open gym, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Adult open gym, 6-8 p.m.

Center won’t be used in order to protect a falcon and her unhatched egg that are currently housed there.

NAI Hanning & Bean, the TinCaps, and the city of Fort Wayne are the financial sponsors of this year’s event. The city thanks NAI Hanning & Bean and the TinCaps for the generous donations to help ensure the fireworks show is a success.

Monday through Thursday. Adult yoga, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday and noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Volleyball, 6-8 p.m. Monday. Badminton, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. CardioFit, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday.

Essential steps, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Yoga for seniors, noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Yoga for adults, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday.

Men’s basketball league, 6-9 p.m. Thursday.

‘Afternoon Delight’ was a one-hit wonder

Starland Vocal Band

Songwriters never know when a moment will arrive that serendipitously offers the ingredients for a hit disc.

By RANDAL C. HILL

Rick Nelson’s smash “Garden Party,” for example, was created as a retort to the negative reaction he endured at a Madison Square Garden oldies show. Nelson had had the audacity to toss in a Rolling Stones song, much to the audience’s displeasure.

In another instance, the pop classic “Rockin’ Robin” came about when the wife of songwriter Leon Rene was kept awake by a noisy bird outside a bedroom window. The culprit, by the way, was a mockingbird, not a robin.

In the case of “Afternoon Delight,” a million-selling single by the Starland Vocal Band (a one-hit wonder if there ever was one), inspiration arrived via a restaurant visit.

Let’s back up a bit. Fat City was a Washington, D. C., folk duo that consisted of Bill Danoff and his partner (and future wife) Taffy Nivert. In 1971, they had co-written, with friend John Denver, the hit track “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Denver, of course, went on to superstardom, while Fat City faded into obscurity. Danoff and Nivert stayed

around D. C., picking up gigs whenever they could.

The couple’s fortunes took a gold-lined turn one day when Danoff was eating lunch at a local restaurant called Clyde’s. It was there that he noticed a menu section labeled Afternoon Delights, which touted such taste treats as spiced shrimp and hot Brie with almonds.

The term sparked an idea in Danoff’s brain, and he dashed home to begin work on a double-entendre ditty that he called, not surprisingly, “Afternoon Delight.”

It took him six months to hone it to perfection. Danoff honored the stars on America’s flag by creating the name Starland Vocal Band.

Convinced the song would fare better with two couples singing it rather than one, Danoff and Nivert brought in folk-singing chums Jon Carroll and Margot Chapman. (They too would eventually tie the knot.) The resulting recording session yielded a catchy blend of folk, pop and country music that had listeners joyously singing along with the chorus during the first listening.

“I didn’t want to write an all-out sex song,” Danoff said later about the single’s release on Windsong Records, an offshoot of Denver’s recording home RCA. “I just wanted to write something that was fun and hinted at sex … If the song had been banned, it would have been a real injustice. The lyrics are subtle and sophisticated and not at all raunchy.”

“Gonna find my baby, gonna hold her tight

“Gonna grab some afternoon delight

“My motto’s always been,

when it’s right it’s right “Why wait until the middle of a cold, dark night?”

For the Best New Artist award at the 1977 Grammys, the Starland Vocal Band beat out the band Boston.

The Starland Vocal Band faded after releasing such discs as “War Surplus Baby,” while, over the next few years, the supergroup Boston enjoyed success with eight Top 40 singles and four platinum-selling albums.

Go figure.

Bibliography

Book: Bronson, Fred. “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (Third Edition).” (P. 438) New York: Billboard Publications, Inc., 1992.

Internet: “Afternoon Delight,” Starland Vocal Band. en.wikipedia.org; Breihan, Tom. “Afternoon Delight,” Starland Vocal Band. Sept. 6, 2019. stereogum. com.; McDowell, Jay. “The Rather Randy Meaning Behind ‘Afternoon Delight’ by Starland Vocal Band.” Jan. 16, 2024. americansongwriter.com. The Danoff quote is from here.

One

Call Does It AllHow Scheerer McCulloch Auctioneers can help make transitions easier

By WENDY BEER Scheerer McCulloch Auctioneers

Are you facing a move, a home clean out, or the task of selling a property? Perhaps you’re helping a family member manage their home and belongings and aren’t sure where to start. We’re here to make the process simple.

Our team offers comprehensive services designed to handle every step of the transition. From selling unwanted household items, collectibles,

glassware, coins, and antiques to complete cleanouts, junk removal, and professional moving services, we provide the solutions you need, all in one place.

We also specialize in real estate services, including real estate auctions, which can be an effective and efficient way to sell a home. No matter the size or scope of the project, clients can trust our experienced team to guide you through the process with professionalism and care.

Our sales team works

closely with clients to explain available options and provide detailed guidance from start to finish. Knowledgeable cataloging specialists professionally photograph and research items to identify potential history, rarity, and potential value. Trained moving professionals handle belongings with care and efficiency, ensuring a smooth transition to a new location.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to making life easier for our clients. Rather than coordinating with multiple companies, you can rely on one trusted team to manage an auction, real estate, moving, and cleanout needs.

We take pride in delivering exceptional service, personalized solutions, and peace of mind throughout the entire process. Let us handle the stress while you focus on what comes next.

Contact us today at (260) 441-8636 to learn more about our services and discover how we can provide the solutions needed.

ONE-HIT WONDER Starland Vocal Band’s hit “Afternoon Delight” was a one-hit wonder. Shown is the band in June 1977. From left to right: Jon Carroll, Margot Chapman, Taffy Nivert, Bill Danoff. Photo from Wikipedia.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

Sabrina Link, Owner

Director creates peace in schools, community

By NGOZI ROGERS Feature Writer

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness.”

Chris Lahr, director of community education at Alive Community Outreach, helps create beloved community in area schools and throughout the community through the Peace Academy and Peace Family programs.

“I love working with youth and providing opportunities for them to be leaders in their community,” Lahr said.

The Peace Academy uses the Kingian Nonviolence curriculum to teach King’s six principles of nonviolence. The program is producing results. According to Alive Community Outreach, fights across all five Fort Wayne Community Schools high schools decreased 35% during the 202526 school year, representing 139 fewer fights district wide.

“Besides reducing fights, youth are leading in their schools, and multiple teachers and staff have discussed an overall peaceful environment,” Lahr said.

The Peace Academy is changing school culture by creating student leaders, increasing moral courage and building beloved community in schools.

“Beloved Community was for (king) a realistic, achievable goal that could be attained by a critical mass of people committed

to and trained in the philosophy and methods of nonviolence,” according to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

To create beloved community, students learn two key practices. First, they learn to “kick it,” or spend time with people who are different from them.

“People say reconciliation is putting our differences aside and focusing on what we have in common,” Lahr said. “Peacemakers say this isn’t true. We all have differences, and we need to celebrate them. In doing so, we discover our commonalities.”

The second practice is “loving your opp.” An “opp” is an opponent or enemy.

“It’s easy to love your friends, but Dr. King told us we need to love our enemies,” Lahr said. “It takes conflict and de-escalation to make this happen.”

It also takes community. That’s where the Peace Family comes in.

“Initially, the group went to South Side High School to hand out candy and spend time with youth during lunch,” Lahr said. “This group evolved into a learning community where members learn about nonviolence.”

The group, made up primarily of retirees, meets every other Tuesday at Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne. It is the city’s oldest African American church.

Many participants have found beloved community through the intergenerational program.

“Some have even become trainers for us in the community,” Lahr said.

Lahr and his Peace Advocates have been teaching Kingian Nonviolence in local schools since 2021.

“My favorite part is watching youth mature into adults and transform into leaders right before my eyes,” he said.

How can people become part of the peace movement?

“Attack forces of evil, not people doing evil, and address your internal violence with as much vigor as you do external violence,” Lahr said. “Also, get to know someone who is vastly different from you.”

Alive Community Outreach was founded in 2020 by the Rev. Angelo Mante and his wife, Marie, after his cousin was murdered in 2016. Compelled to do more, Mante began studying Kingian Nonviolence with Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., a civil rights activist who worked closely with King and co-authored “Kingian Nonviolence: Conflict Reconciliation,” a globally-recognized training curriculum for social change and conflict resolution.

Alive Community Outreach offers violence survivor support, conflict resolution training, school-based peacemaking, youth violence prevention and other services.

For more information, visit Alive Community Outreach’s website, alivefw.org or call (260) 422-4681.

Free expungement education event

A free presentation on Indiana’s expungement law and local legal assistance resources will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, in the auditorium at Ivy Tech Community College’s Coliseum Campus, 3800 N. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne. Attendees should use Door 6, facing Crescent Avenue.

Local attorney Heidi Fowler will explain Indiana’s expungement law, which allows a one-time opportunity for some low-level convictions, misdemeanors and arrest records to be

sealed from criminal records.

The event is offered through the Second Chance Initiative, a partnership among the Volunteer Center, the Volunteer Lawyer Program and Indiana Legal Services. The program assists eligible individuals seeking to have Indiana conviction records expunged.

“A criminal record is one of the largest obstacles to better housing, employment and education,” said Volunteer Center Executive Director Ani Etter. “The Second Chance Initiative provides an op-

tion for low- to moderate-income individuals to have a chance at a better future.”

The Volunteer Center connects individuals with volunteer opportunities at local nonprofits through a variety of community programs. The Second Chance Initiative is supported by four volunteers whose work has helped more than 125 low- to moderate-income individuals pursue expungement.

For more information, visit Volunteer Center of Allen County.

about Peacemakers during an Indiana Center for Middle East Peace event April 19 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Fort Wayne. Featured speaker Shane Claiborne,

ceived the King Center’s Beloved Community Award for Social Justice from Dr. Bernice King in 2023.

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT Chris Lahr, right, of Alive Community Outreach, speaks

left, re-

Photo provided by Chris Lahr.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS —

The Humane Society of Whitley County has recently announced its 2026 board of directors. The Humane Society of Whitley County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving all of Whitley County. The shelter was once again recognized by the Best Friends Animal Society as a no-kill shelter, achieving a 92% save rate in 2025.

Shown in the front row from left are Jill Peterson; Jennie Rhea, treasurer; Mark Espich, president; and Jamie Hoot, secretary. In the back row are Sandi Gray, vice president; Laura Foss; Chad Owen; Abbie Carroll, director of operations; Bobbie Alexander; and John Lantz. Photo provided by The Humane Society.

Honoring Those Who Served -

Paradigm Health achieves highest national recognition

For many veterans, military service shaped who they are long after they returned home. Their experiences, sacrifices and memories often remain an important part of their story throughout life, including at the end of life.

That is why Paradigm Health is honored to announce it has achieved Level 5 status through the We Honor Veterans program, the highest level attainable through an initiative of the National Alliance for Care at Home in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

This distinction is awarded

to hospice organizations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to serving veterans and their families. Only a select group of hospices nationwide have earned this recognition.

What does this mean for veterans and their loved ones?

It means receiving care from a team specially trained to understand the unique experiences of those who served. Paradigm Health clinicians recognize that military service can affect physical symptoms, emotional well-being, communication and end-of-life decisions. This understanding allows them to

LISTEN TO LOCAL NEWSPAPERS & NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS

The Audio Reading Service is for individuals of any age with visual, physical, learning, or language challenges to reading printed materials. This is a free service of the Allen County Public Library.

provide more personalized care and support.

It also means veterans are honored for their service. Through meaningful recognition ceremonies, community partnerships and opportunities to share their stories, Paradigm Health helps ensure every veteran re-

ceives the gratitude and respect they deserve.

Families often say they want more than excellent medical care. They want a team that sees their loved one as a person, understands their life experiences and treats them with dignity.

At Paradigm Health, that is the commitment. Achieving Level 5 status reflects the organization’s dedication to providing the highest level of compassionate, veteran-centered hospice care for those who served the nation and the families who stand beside them.

I am down under in my home

My home office is downstairs. It was just a cellar when we moved into this

that kind of money, so it’s still a basement.

Our original plan was to make it a beautiful room for entertaining guests, sipping white wine and discussing good books. That hasn’t happened. I occasionally

This all reminded me of the basement in our previous home.

We had a pool table that I bought in 1998. We seldom played pool. We used the cue sticks to wrangle cobwebs from the ceiling. I stored a dozen suitcases under the table, and the top became a perfect nesting area for a year’s supply of Campbell’s soup. Each side pocket held a flashlight. The corner pockets contained duct tape, Scotch tape, masking tape and electrical tape.

And my wife said we’d never use the pool table. Jeez, what a pessimist.

We finally decided to get rid of the exercise bike because we couldn’t hang enough clothes on the handlebars to make it worthwhile.

Two years ago, Mary Ellen thought we should get a pingpong table. That Christmas Eve, I told her I had a surprise for her in

“Oh, that’s great,” she said. “Did you get rid of the Laurel and

We played ping pong once. We took a break when the score was 9-6. We hope to finish the game before race day. Right now, the table is the perfect place for 16 cans of Bush’s Baked Beans.

Let me sum up the current state of our lower level. We have an exercise bike that needs a little exercise, a rowing machine that has been left adrift and a pingpong table that is seldom pinged

We do have a treadmill that Mary Ellen uses quite often, mostly to catch up on episodes of “Outlander” and “Call the Midwife” on her iPad while walking. I also use it religiously, which means only on Sundays for 10 minutes after

I told Mary Ellen it was about time we finished the table tennis

But first, I have a whole lot of

Autumn Trace Senior Apartments offer maintenance-free living in Columbia City

By CHRISTIE LIVINGSTON Marketing Director Autumn Trace

Choosing the right senior living community is an important decision. Autumn Trace Senior Apartments in Columbia City offers many benefits that make it an excellent choice for older adults. Designed to promote in-

dependence, comfort and peace of mind, Autumn Trace provides a welcoming environment where seniors can enjoy their retirement years to the fullest.

One of the biggest advantages of living at Autumn Trace is its maintenance-free lifestyle. Residents no longer have to worry about home repairs, lawn care or snow removal. This

allows them to spend more time enjoying hobbies, social activities and time with family and friends.

Autumn Trace also offers a safe and secure living environment.

Senior-friendly apartment designs, accessible features and staff support help residents feel comfortable and confident in

Miami Indian Heritage Days continues July 11

The History Center will continue its Miami Indian Heritage Days series Saturday, July 11, at the Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road. It is from 1 to 4 p.m.

The event highlights the lasting heritage of the Miami people and other regional Native American groups through presentations by local artists, performers and educators.

Cathy Mowry will present “The Miami Artist.”

Also known as akima pinšiwa awiiki, the Chief Richardville House is recognized as

the oldest Native American structure in the Midwest.

Admission includes a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark.

Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for youth and seniors. History Center members and children 2 and younger are admitted free.

The remaining 2026 Miami Indian Heritage Days schedule includes:

Aug. 1: “Miami Harvest: Edible and Usable Plants and Materials,” with Dani Tippman.

Sept. 5: “Miami Akaawiaki (Quillwork),” with Claudia Hedeen.

Oct. 3: “Wiikiaami Cattail Matting,” presented by M.I.A.M.I. (Miami Indian Alliance of Miami Indians).

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 7 and noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 8. Traders Days, featuring traditional crafts, goods and wares, along with hands-on demonstrations and interactive educational programs. Admission is free. For more information, call the History Center at (260) 426-2882 or visit fwhistorycenter.org.

Cooling stations offered throughout the summer

The City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services and the Fort Wayne Area Planning Council on Homelessness announced cooling stations are available throughout the community for residents seeking relief from the heat.

The following locations are now serving as cooling stations and are open until Sept. 1.

• Allen County Public Library Main Branch, 900 Library Plaza, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed July 4.

• Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

• Citilink, Central Station, 121 W. Baker St. Individuals may purchase a fare and ride one full trip on a route to cool off from 5:25 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday to Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Closed July 4.

• Inasmuch Ministry, 930 Broadway, 7:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday and 4-7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 4-7 p.m. when the temperature is 90 degrees or more.

• The Rescue Mission, 404 E. Washington Blvd., open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; regardless of temperature. Meals are at 7 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m.

• The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Closed July 4.

The Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services and the Planning Council on Homelessness continue to look for other partners to serve as cooling stations, especially during the evening hours. Any agency or

business interested in learning more about becoming a location should call 311 and ask for Amanda Fall. They can also email ohns@cityoffortwayne. org for more information. Residents may find more information about the cooling stations online at engage. cityoffortwayne.org/2026-cityfort-wayne-cooling-stations or call (260) 427-8311.

their daily lives. For those who need additional assistance, personalized support services are available while still encouraging independence.

Social engagement is another key benefit. Residents have opportunities to participate in planned activities, wellness programs, exercise classes and community events. These activities help seniors stay active, make new friends and maintain a positive outlook on life. Autumn Trace communities are known for fostering strong friendships and a sense of belonging among residents.

Convenience is also a major advantage. Many Autumn Trace locations are situated near shopping, restaurants, health care providers and other essential services. Residents

can enjoy easy access to everything they need while living in a comfortable and supportive community.

With over five years of experience serving seniors in Indiana, Autumn Trace is dedicated to providing compassionate care, engaging lifestyles and a home-like atmosphere. Residents can enjoy the perfect balance of independence and support, giving both seniors and their families greater peace of mind. Autumn Trace truly offers a place where seniors can live comfortably, stay active and enjoy every day. Come out and take a tour of Autumn Trace Senior Community in Columbia City, where you will feel the comfort of home.

About Social Security’s ‘First Year Rule’ and withdrawing from SS

By RUSSELL GLOOR National Social Security Advisor, Association of Mature American Citizens

I am 63 years old, and about to apply for my Social Security benefits. I am self-employed but only working part time. I know about Social Security’s annual earnings limit but recently I learned I must also be concerned about a monthly earnings limit of $2,040. My questions are:

1) How do I find out if I will be subject to a monthly earning limit of $2,040 per month? I thought it was only evaluated annually.

2) If I choose to cancel Social Security within the first year or after, what are the penalties? Would I have to pay them back for the whole amount for the whole time that they paid me? Which makes no sense, since I have been paid into SS since I was 13 years old. Can you help me understand this? Signed: Claiming Early and Still Working.

Dear Claiming Early: It can get tricky if you are still working after claiming your Social Security before your SS full retirement age, especially

during your first year collecting. I’m happy to answer your specific questions:

1. There is a special rule which applies during your first year collecting early Social Security benefits (e.g., before your full retirement age or “FRA,” which for you is age 67).

What will happen is this: when the IRS provides SSA with your 2026 earnings (in 2027), SSA will review to see if your total 2026 net earnings from self-employment exceeded the 2026 annual limit of $24,480. If not, no further action is necessary.

But if you did exceed the full year 2026 earnings limit, SSA will contact you and ask you to provide them with details about your monthly 2026 net earnings.

If you have exceeded the monthly limit in any 2026 month after your SS benefit started, you will not be entitled to SS benefits for that month. Essentially, if you have exceeded the annual limit, you cannot exceed the monthly earnings limit in any remaining month during your first year of collecting.

If you exceeded the annual limit, and also any monthly limit, SSA will send you an overpayment notice saying

you must repay them for the benefits you were not entitled to receive because you exceeded the monthly earnings limit.

2. You can, within 12 months of applying for Social Security, ask SSA to withdraw your application for SS retirement benefits. They will do that for you, but you will also be required to repay them all SS benefits that they have already paid to (or for) you.

This essentially would” wipe the slate clean” and enable your SS benefit to continue growing, allowing you to apply for a larger monthly benefit later. But if you wait longer than 12 months after you first apply for SS benefits, you can no longer withdraw your application for Social Security. Thereafter, you would be subject to the annual earnings limit (the monthly earnings limit would no longer apply).

FYI, after you reach your FRA, there is no limit on your earnings, and you could choose to suspend your benefit payments and earn Delayed Retirement Credits to get a higher monthly benefit. Also at

your FRA, if SSA withheld any of your benefits because you exceeded the earnings limit before reaching your FRA, you would get time credit for the number of months your benefits were withheld.

Essentially, they would advance your benefit-start month by the number of months your benefits were withheld, yielding a slightly higher monthly amount after your FRA. Finally, it’s important to know that the contributions you made to Social Security from payroll taxes (FICA/SECA) over your lifetime are not what determines your monthly SS benefit amount.

Your monthly SS benefit is based on two main factors: a) your average monthly earnings (indexed for inflation) for the highest earning 35 years over your lifetime as reported to the IRS

b) the age at which you claim your SS benefits. Your contributions to Social Security while working only provide you with eligibility to collect SS benefits; the contributions aren’t put into a separate account for you and are not used to calculate your monthly SS benefit.

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association. NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-dvisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.

AIHS selected to handle Indiana HCBS waiver case management program

Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana has been selected by the Indiana Department of Administration, on behalf of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, as one of five organizations receiving a preliminary notice of award recommendation for the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Case Management program.

The nonprofit has been an enrolled Indiana Medicaid provider since the early 1990s and has long provided case management services for both aged and disabled and intellectual and developmental disability populations. The organization delivers person-centered case management aimed at supporting individuals across the lifespan.

•

“Our organization is flexible and nimble, ready to provide high-quality, person-centered care from day one to individuals across the lifespan of all abilities,” said Elizabeth Evans, MHA, president and CEO of Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana.

“By bringing over 50 years of trusted community legacy with the next generation of innovation, we aren’t just a providerwe are ready to move above and beyond the status quo to ensure every Hoosier can achieve their best life.”

The state’s final award decision is pending contract negotiations, with a projected start date of June 1.

If finalized, Aging and InHome Services would provide statewide case management services under multiple Medicaid waivers, including Community Integration and Habilitation, Family Support, health and wellness, and traumatic brain injury programs.

Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana is a federally and state-designated Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center. The nonprofit said it aims to promote dignity, independence and advocacy for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers, and has received national recognition for its integrated care model. For more information, call (260) 745-1200 or visit agingihs.

RUSSELL GLOOR

How to use mindfulness in your daily living

Editor’s Note: Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers 200 plus techniques that can drastically improve your mental health

By STAN POPOVICH Guest Columnist

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more fully aware of the present moment rather than dwelling in the past, projecting into the future or what’s going on around us. It involves a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli, such as our breathing and being “in the now.”

Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery and other practices to relax the body and mind.

1. Find a comfortable place: You’ll want to find a comfortable seat in a relaxed and stress-free environment. Sit on a couch or chair with your feet

on the ground. Allow your head and shoulders to rest comfortably; place your hands on the tops of your legs with your upper arms at your side. Put your upper arms parallel to your upper body. Rest the palms of your hands on your legs.

2. Focus on your breathing: Close your eyes, take a deep breath and relax. Keep your attention on the sensation of the inhale and exhale of your breath. Focus on the air moving through your nose or the rising and falling of your stomach and chest.

3. Reduce wandering thoughts: It’s normal to have wandering thoughts or distractions, so don’t judge yourself if you start becoming distracted. Instead of wrestling with your thoughts, let them pass by, without focusing on any thought. Thoughts will try to pull your attention away from your breathing. Notice them, but don’t pass judgment. Gen-

tly return your focus to your breath.

4. Tune into your senses: Sometimes, when we’re stressed, focusing on what’s happening right in front of us can be a challenge in and of itself. Our minds are drawn to thinking about the future and

all the bad things that are or could happen.

5. Live in the present: Focus your attention on what’s happening right now, actively engaging with the current moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

6. Focus on one thing at a time: Multitasking can leave you feeling distracted, so concentrate on one task with your full attention.

7. Pay attention: It’s hard to slow down and notice things in a busy world. Take the time to experience your environment with all your senses, including touch, sound, sight, smell and taste. For example, when you eat a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste and enjoy it.

8. Enjoy the small moments: Small moments in our lives include those that we don’t typically notice and those we take for granted. A small

moment may be having a cup of coffee or a cool glass of water, spending a moment with a child or pet, or performing any everyday activity that goes by without our attention. Enjoyment, peace and serenity in life happen in the small moments.

9. Go outside: Spending time outdoors is a great way to live in the moment and observe the sights, sounds and sensations around you.

For more information, visit Popovich’s website at managingfear.com.

Adams Heritage

12011 Whittern Road, Monroeville, IN 46773 (260) 623-6440 • www.adamsheritage.org

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Physical, Respiratory, Outpatient Therapy, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care. Medicare and/or Medicaid.

Adams Woodcrest

1300 Mercer Avenue, Decatur, IN 46733 (260) 724-3311 • www.adamswoodcrest.org

Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Memory Care Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Physical, Respiratory, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid.

Golden Years Homestead

3136 Goeglein Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 (260) 749-9655 • Greencroft.org/GoldenYears

Comprehensive care with assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, memory care, respite care, and on-site/outpatient therapy; Medicare/ Medicaid accepted.

Grand Marquis

300 East Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 422-5511 • jmull@tgmsi.com

Assisted Living; 50+ Community; Pets Allowed; Medicaid Waiver; Private Rooms; Weekly Events; RCAP Program; Conveniently Located; 24/7 Nursing Staff; On-site Therapy; Downtown Lifestyle; Concierge Service; Smoking Area; Restaurant Style Dining

Orchard Pointe Health Campus

702 Sawyer Rd., Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-3333 • www.orchardpointehc.com

Offering Memory Care, Assisted & Independent Living Apartments and Skilled Services. We’ll meet you with the appropriate level of care wherever you are — whether you’re fully independent or looking for additional assistance.

Call us.

The Cedars

14409 Sunrise Court, Leo, IN 46765 (260) 627-2191 • www.thecedarsrc.com

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

6701 S. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46816 (260) 447-1591 • www.ABetterWayofLiving.org

Assisted Living, Rehab Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech, Occupational, Respiratory, Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Hospice Care, Medicare and/or Medicaid, Outpatient Therapy

STAN POPOVICH

Menopause and Dry Eye: What women need to know

(NAPSI) - It may seem surprising to some but dry eye is one of the most common conditions women going through the menopause experience.

“Dry eye is a complicated eye condition with various causes. It affects men and women of all ages, but women entering menopause are more likely to experience dry eye because of hormonal changes affecting the eye,” said Purnima Patel, MD, an ophthalmologist and volunteer for EyeCare America, a program offering no-cost eye exams to uninsured or underinsured Americans.

Dry eye disease is a common condition that happens when your tears don’t adequately lubricate your eyes. When you blink, tears spread over the surface of the eye. This keeps the eye smooth, clear and comfortable.

Dry eye can happen when you don’t produce enough tears, when you produce poor-quality tears, or your tears dry out too quickly. It can lead to red, irritated, tired or painful eyes.

Why

Is Dry Eye More Common During Menopause?

During menopause, the body produces less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal changes during menopause are likely linked to dry eye disease, but the exact mechanism is not known, and more research is needed. In general, dry eye can result from lower tear production and reduced lubrication from the eye’s oil glands. This can cause a scratchy feeling or light sensitivity, making it hard to read or drive at night. It can also cause blurry vision.

What Should You Do if You Have Dry Eye?

Artificial tears, also known as lubricating eye drops, are the most common treatment for dry eye. Most are available without a prescription. It’s important to note that drops with preservatives can irritate your eyes if you use them too much. If you need artificial tears more than a few times a day, use drops without preservatives. These come in single-serving droppers. Warm compresses on the eyelids are another at-home treatment. For some people, a few simple lifestyle changes can resolve dry eye. If you live in a dry place, consider using a humidifier. Direct fans away from your eyes. Take regular breaks from computers and smart phones. Contiuned on page 23

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

ADAMS WOODCREST

1300 Mercer Avenue

Decatur, IN 46733

Phone: (260) 724-3311

www.adamswoodcrest.org

Independent Living, Cottages, Villas, Apartments, Residential & Assisted Living, Short Term Rehab (PT, OT, ST), Healthcare & Dementia Care, Skilled & Intermediate, Long Term Nursing Care, Life Enrichment Activities, Fitness Center Membership

14409 Sunrise Court

Leo, IN 46765

Phone: (260) 627-2191

www.thecedarsrc.com

Complete Retirement Amenities: Skilled & Intermediate Long Term Nursing Care, Assisted & Residential Apartments, Total Rehab Unit, Villa Of The Cedars With Condominium Homes - “Come To The Country”

AUDIOLOGY

3RIVERS HEARING

7230 Engle Road, Suite 211

Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Phone: (260) 257-7691

3rivershearing@gmail.com

www.3rivershearing.com

Family Owned & Operated Hearing Clinic. Free Comprehensive Hearing Test. Multiple Manufacturers. Supplemental Insurance Accepted. Office & Mobile Appointments.

CARTER HEARING CLINICS

1335 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

NORTHEAST: 3136 Goeglein Rd., Suite A Phone: (260) 436-6400 or (877) 436-6401

www.carterhearingclinics.com

• Creating A Higher Standard of Care

• Board certified audiologists by the American Board of Audiology serving Fort Wayne since 1967.

• Offices located in Fort Wayne, Auburn and Angola. PROVIDING

• Hearing Evaluations, Hearing Aids, Assistive Listening Devices and Auditory Training

• FREE TRIAL HEARING AID PROGRAM

Fort Wayne, IN

Phone: (260) 452-9691

ajones@integrityhhc.com

“Stay

VERACITY SYSTEMS

DBA HOOSIER CARE GIVERS

401 E. Colfax Ave. #350 South Bend, IN 46617 (317) 699-7075

info@veracitysystems.org

Family Caregivers Make $19-$21/hr. Compassionate, Attendant, Caregivers, Companionship. Private Paid, Affordable, Medicaid Certified, United Healthcare, Humana, Anthem Homecare Insured.

333 E. Washington Blvd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Phone: (260) 918-0933

www.brightstarcare.com/fort-wayne

Enthusiastic, kind personal level client care connection, 24/7 support enables clients to check on loved ones. Rigorous caregiver screen/background check ensures optimal security & family peace of mind.

CORNERSTONE CAREGIVING

2809 East Dupont Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Phone: (260) 254-1571

fortwaynein@cornerstonecaregiving.com

Personalized In-Home Care for You or Your Loved Ones

HOMEFRONT HOME HEALTH

6821 Lima Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46818

Phone: (260) 363-0461

www.HomefrontHomeHealth.com

Homefront empowers independent living with compassionate in-home non-medical and medical skilled healthcare, personalized attendant, companion, nursing, and other support services.

DRY EYE COMMON WITH MENOPAUSE It would be wise for women with dry eyes to see their ophthalmologist.

Local singer wins variety talent show June 2

Singer Martel Harris was announced as the first-place winner of Turnstone’s Center Stage talent show fundraiser June 2 after an impressive performance of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World.”

Harris’ first-place finish earned him a $5,000 cash prize. Proceeds from the event totaled more than $45,000 to benefit people with disabilities through Turnstone Center services.

Local Latin salsa-cumbia band Los Electro earned second place after performing a lively set. Midnight Mimosas took third place for its performance of a remixed version of Sam Smith’s “Latch.”

Pianist Rio Zuffinetti won the People’s Choice Award.

“We are so grateful to all of the talent who shared a piece of themselves with us tonight,” said

Stasha Carrasquillo, chief marketing and technology officer at Turnstone. “This year’s performers exceeded all expectations, and we’re thrilled to keep bringing this event to Fort Wayne. The variety of artistic expression and talent on stage reflects the vibrant and diverse spirit of our community.”

Center Stage is a talent competition designed to showcase performing arts by people with and without disabilities. Organizers said the event celebrates artistic expression while encouraging appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences.

“Center Stage: Fort Wayne’s Premier Talent Show,” held at Clyde Theatre, featured 10 local performers selected from preliminary submissions. Turnstone Center said the event reflects its

people-first approach to empowerment and talent-focused opportunities.

Center Stage Lineup

Addison Prichard, tap dancer

Ellise Young, singer-songwriter

Los Electro, Latin salsa-cumbia band

Martel Harris, singer

Midnight Mimosas, band

Pamela Lovelette, pop singer

Rio Zuffinetti, pianist

TeSharra Thomas, singer

Tyresse Ferguson, singer

Willy Booger, guitarist

Organizers said details for next year’s event will be announced later. Auditions for the 2027 competition will open this fall. Community members and artists can visit Turnstone’s Center Stage website, turnstone.org, for information on talent submissions and the Center Stage interest form.

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

HOME PET CARE

HUMANE FORT WAYNE IN-HOME SERVICES

901 Leesburg Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Phone: (260) 744-0454

www.humanefw.org/get-help/pet-promises/

This FREE program helps seniors care for their pets. Services include grooming, walking, waste clean-up, wellness checks, transportation and more.

HOSPICE

STILLWATER HOSPICE

5910 Homestead Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 435-3222

stillwater-hospice.org

Helping families face serious illness and loss with comfort, compassion and guidance through hospice, palliative and adult grief support.

IN-HOME CARE

ABSOLUTE ANGELS IN-HOME CARE

PO Box 214

Leo, IN 46765

Phone: (260) 715-7777

www.AbsoluteAngels.org

Don@AbsoluteAngels.org

Absolute Angels delivers compassionate, reliable care — bringing peace of mind, dignity and heartfelt support to families when it matters most.

COMFORT KEEPERS

3182 Mallard Cove Lane

Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Phone: (260) 484-5858

MollyTritch@comfortkeepers.com

Comfort Keepers provides award winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities.

NURSING

MAJESTIC CARE OF JEFFERSON POINTE 5700 Wilkie Drive

Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Phone: (260) 432-7556

www.majesticcare.com/location/Jefferson-Pointe Short-term Rehab, Outpatient Therapy, Long-term Care, Memory Care, In-House Dialysis, Mild Behaviors Unit. Medicaid Accepted. Where Compassion Meets Excellence.

PET AFTERCARE

NATURE’S WAY PET AFTERCARE

6428-C St. Joe Center Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46835

Phone: (260) 255-6972

www.natureswaypetaftercare.com

Supporting families every step. Services include: pet euthanasia, cremation, memorial items and grief support. Contact us today to start pre-planning.

HOOSIER PHYSICAL THERAPY

Michael F. Barile, D.C., P.T. 3030 Lake Avenue

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Phone: (260) 420-4400

www.hoosierpt.com

Medicare Assignment Accepted • “Personalized Care”

SENIOR WELLNESS

STROLL WALKING CLUB

4315 Love Grass Lane Fort Wayne, IN 46845

Phone: (260) 452-6091

www.strollwalkingclub.com

• Guided Group Walks

• Door to Door Transportation

• Built for Seniors

• Trusted Local Guides

TALENT SHOW WINNER Martel Harris, a singer, won the Center Stage talent show. From left are Mike Mushett, Turnstone CEO; Harris; and Stasha Carrasquillo, Turnstone’s chief marketing and technology officer. Photo provided by Turnstone.

Rooftop pools offer vacation escape without the beach

By VICTOR BLOCK Guest Columnist

Dan and Doris Beatty spent the afternoon at an inviting oceanside beach. While they enjoyed the sun, sand and surf, they had to deal with no-seeum biting bugs, be mindful of the strong offshore current and, when they returned to their hotel room, wash residual grit from their bodies.

The scene was different for Sam and Judy Crawford. While they also lolled on chaise lounges to soak up the sun’s rays and cooled off in clear water, they ended their relaxing afternoon silt and sting free. That’s because they were replicating a visit to a beach on the roof of the Fort Wayne hotel where they were staying.

Rooftop swimming pools occupy the top of a number of lodgings throughout the country. They provide people with added appeal and places to replicate a seaside sojourn without having to travel from their place of accommodation.

Many make up in attractions and ambiance anything they might lack in ocean views.

With gas prices rising and airport congestion still unpredictable, many folks are rethinking long-haul trips in favor of closer-to-home escapes. Some are opting for a “staycation” summer, finding an escape right where they live.

For residents of the nation’s capital, and those who visit it, that can include the hidden

rooftop pool at the Arlo Washington DC Hotel.

Framed by plush loungers and set against a bold, colorful wall mural, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the U.S. Capitol Building and city skyline.

Art also enhances the experience for guests atop the Arlo Wynwood in Miami, Fla. Along with a 360-degree view of the city below, the heated swim bath is overlooked by a larger-than-life mural which was created by an acclaimed graffiti artist.

It’s oversize chess pieces that greet those enjoying the Rooftop and Pool Lounge at Hotel Effie in Sandestin, Fla. It’s the only such installation along the self-proclaimed Emerald Coast, which stretches about 100 miles along the Gulf of Mexico.

If they’re not relaxing in a private cabana or enjoying breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon, guests may participate in wine tastings, yoga, bingo nights and other enticing activities.

People travel far to gaze in awe at the New York City skyline and there are few more dramatic views than that from the rooftop pool deck at the Arlo Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn.

A dramatic Water Tower Bar overlooks the pool and poolside cabanas. Guests of the property may book a complementary pool time slot, and others can make a reservation through resortpass.com.

For a classic yet unexpected location, look no further than the rooftop’s Water Tower. These kinds of structures are an iconic sight throughout the city, but at Art Williamsburg, that edifice can serve as your

very own private event venue. Perfect for gatherings, photo shoots, weddings, cocktail and other occasions, the Water Tower has a private bar, can be furnished for your event, and is accessible by elevator.

Have you ever surfed on a rooftop?

You can at the FlowRider Wave Ride at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Its advanced waveform technology provides a safe, yet thrilling, environment where people may “hang ten” and test their boarding talents.

The innovative design gently absorbs impacts, allowing everyone to master the waves with confidence and enjoy a unique experience right on the Las Vegas Strip.

Another thrill awaits those checking out the rooftop pool at the Joule Hotel in Dallas. It’s

cantilevered over the streets below, and the clear walled edge gives the fortunately false impression that swimmers might plunge off the top of the building.

Worrying that you may fall to your death, or trying to surf

high above city streets, may not be on your bucket list. However, they’re among unusual, and unexpected, activities that swimming pools perched on the roofs of some buildings offer, and are available to those who wish to take part in them.

ROOFTOP POOL MURAL Shown are cabanas along the rooftop pool at the Arlo Washington DC Hotel offering panoramic views of the U.S. Capital building and city skyline. Photo from the Arlo Washington DC hotel.

GREETING GUESTS Oversize chess pieces greet those enjoying the rooftop and pool lounge at Hotel Effie, Sandestin, Fla. This rooftop lounge is the only such installation along the Emerald Coast. Photo from Hotel Effie, Sandestin, Fla.

The Naples nobody knows

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

“Did you get to Pompeii?” That’s the first question everyone asks when they hear we’ve been to Naples.

Our answer is “No.” Nor did we head for tourist-trampled Positano on the affluent Amalfi Coast. Ditto for commercialized Capri.

But we did stroll around 2,800-year-old Cuma, the first Greek colony established on the Italian peninsula some 350 years before the founding of Naples.

It’s the images of these fortress-like ruins and nearby Pozzuoli, Sofia Loren’s birthplace, that appear when we think of Naples. As do memories of whisking through the crammed and crowded cobblestone streets of this cosmopolitan complex built at the base of Mount Vesuvius. The volcano on the southeastern edge of Naples is responsible for a couple of the world’s better-known ruinsPompeii and Herculaneum.

However, about 20 miles west of downtown Naples is Cuma, a sight that can satisfy both the avid and amateur archeologist.

They can amble over and around the remains of temples to Apollo and Jove high on the acropolis that overlooks one of the most enthralling expanses of beach along the Mediterranean shore. It was these soft waves rolling up against the softly curved shoreline and the natural hot springs that drew the Greeks here. It’s also the land of myth and magic that Virgil etched into legend. Both avid and amateur will get a kick out of walking through the 145-yard trapezoid tunnel hollowed out of the massive rock to the grotto of the Sybil, Apollo’s prophetic priestess who foretold Aeneas’s future.

On the drive to Cuma, you can stop at a roadside overlook to peer down into Lake Avernus, which contemporaries of Homer and Virgil believed to be the entrance to Hades.

Before embarking on any of these jaunts, you have to sample the original modern pizza - the margherita. It’s available everywhere in Naples. While this type of flatbread dates back several centuries, it was in June 1889 that Neapolitan chef Raffaele Esposito created the Pizza Margherita in honor of Italy’s

Queen consort, Margherita of Savoy, who was visiting the city. He garnished it with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, to represent the red, white and green Italian flag. He was the first to add cheese.

After washing down this

Science Central receives grant support for STEAM education

Science Central is expanding access to hands-on STEAM education for students in Van Wert and Paulding counties thanks to a $2,500 grant from the Van Wert County Foundation through the Carmody Family Memorial Fund.

The funding will support Science Central’s Science4U programming, a collection of educational experiences designed to bring interactive science learning directly to students and educators. Through outreach programs, hands-on kits, virtual learning opportunities and field trips, Science4U helps students explore science concepts in en-

gaging and meaningful ways. Science4U programs align with Next Generation Science Standards and feature handson activities that encourage curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving. Students participate in interactive demonstrations, experiments and activities that make complex scientific ideas approachable and exciting.

The grant will help Science Central reach approximately 500 students ages 5-18 throughout Van Wert and Paulding counties, providing opportunities for learners to engage with STEAM topics regardless of

Menopause and

Protect your eyes from the wind by wearing wrap-around glasses outside. If you wake up with dry and scratchy eyes, use thicker eye drops such as an artificial tear ointment or gel just before you go to bed.

When Should You See a Doctor About Dry Eye?

Continued from page 20 you’ve tried over-the-counter drops, but your eyes are still bothering you? It’s best to see a doctor to figure out the cause of dry eye,” Dr. Patel said. “If you already use eye drops for dry eye and have been using the drops more than three times a day, that may be a sign to check in with your ophthalmologist about an additional treatment option that may work better for you.”

If your dry eye is severe, visit an ophthalmologist to help determine the cause and the best treatment options for you. Based on your examination, your ophthalmologist may recommend a prescription eye drop or ointment, tiny plugs inserted into the eyelids to help keep tears in the eye longer, or other medications.

Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care. During an eye exam, an ophthalmologist will look at your eyelids and the surface of the eye and determine the amount and quality of your tears.

“Not sure why you’re experiencing dry eye? Maybe

Can’t Afford an Eye Exam? EyeCare America Can Help Individuals who are unin-

ANSWERS:

their background or access to additional educational resources.

Science Central’s programming supports a growing need for accessible STEAM experiences that develop skills in critical thinking, creativity and innovation. By partnering with schools and communities, Science Central works to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, problem-solvers and lifelong learners.

Science Central is located at 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. For more information, visit Science Central or its Facebook page.

sured or underinsured may be eligible for a no out-ofpocket cost medical eye exam through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need of eye care across the United States.

To see if you or a loved one qualifies, visit aao.org/eyecare-america/patients.

Check out all of our publications online: inkfreenews.com thepapersonline.com themailjournal.com shoppingguidenews.com autorv.com themunicipal.com lakelifemagazine.com homelivingplacesandspaces.com seniorlifenewspapers.com

palate-pleaser with wine and beer, it was time to dive into side dishes of fresh seafood, also available everywhere in this seaside city. Then it’s chased down with a toddy of the local favorite - the citrus-flavored liqueur limoncello, which is sipped as widely here as Starbucks coffee is in Seattle.

There are sites aplenty to see between snacks in this, the third-largest city in Italy.

We stopped at the il Vero Bar del Professore on the edge of the massive Piazza Plebiscito, the largest square in Naples. It was given that name after the plebiscite of 1870 that made Naples part of the Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy. On one flank are the municipal palace and Real Teatro San Carlo, the opera house that has been operating continuously since 1737.

After sampling two specialties of il Vero Bar - a coffee with nut cream and a sfogliatelle (roll)we headed to San Severo Chapel to view The Veiled Christ,

Icompleted in 1753 by Giuseppe Sanmartino, reposed among more than two dozen other intriguing works of art.

Then we headed for the central metro station, dodging anything on wheels as we danced through the Piazza de Gesu, one of the city’s prettiest piazzas decorated with churches and statues. The station is tucked firmly in a section locals call Calcutta because of the constant commotion created by vendors and vagrants, booths and bicycles, walkers and watchers. Our train took us to a stop within minutes of our bed-and-breakfast in Pozzuoli, a commune on Naples’s western border that was once the busiest seaport on this section of the Italian peninsula. It was here that St. Paul landed about 60 A.D. to establish a Christian community. A recently built waterfront park and walkway makes this one of the more pleasant promenades alongside the Mediterranean.

It’s easy! Simply find the “First Place Ribbon” on another page in this edition. Go online to www.SeniorLifeNewspapers.com and enter your information, the edition, date and page number you found it on. This will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25.

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(Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, July 13, 2026.

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The winner of the I Spy Contest for June is Dennis Paulus from Elkhart. The ‘Mitt and Baseball’ was located on page 11 in Senior Life Allen; page 4 in Senior Life Northwest; page 17 in Senior Life Elko and page 9 in Senior Life St. Joseph.

THE LARGEST SQUARE Piazza Plebiscito is the largest square in Naples. Photo by Cecil Scaglione, Mature Life Features.

Saving money difficult on car lot

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

As the weather turns bright and balmy, a young man’s fancy is visited by visions of a new car.

Once a person, male or female, is infected with this infatuation, it’s difficult to shake.

Most seniors have purchased at least one vehicle during their lifetimes. Many, after memorizing the mantra “Never borrow money on something that depreciates,” paid cash for the family flivver.

That’s pretty tough to do these days because few folks have $50,000 or more sitting around the house or nestled in their bank or credit union account to slap down on a new car.

Those last two words are

worth repeating: new car.

How often have you been told to shun used cars because “you’re just buying someone else’s problems?” And the used car salesman has been saddled with an image somewhere between a conniving con man and a masked bank robber.

Purchasing a used car from a reputable operator can save you a lot of money.

The moment you drive a new car off the lot, it depreciates at least 20%. If you paid $50,000 for it, it’s only worth $40,000 the second it hits the street.

A two-year-old vehicle has already depreciated about onethird from its new-car price. Some buyers shop car auctions to save money. There are folks who track down sales of

rental cars. The image of these vehicles being kicked around by every kind of driver who doesn’t treat them with respect can be misleading. They’re well maintained by the rental companies during their lives as temporary transportation for any and all types of drivers.

If you feel you want to treat yourself to a new car, settle on what car you want. Then find out how much it costs the dealer so you’ll know how much haggle space you have between that figure and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price pasted in the window.

Don’t for a nanosecond think that the smiling team of “experts” on the lot is considering your welfare. They’re out to make a living and they make

Fort Wayne accepting new applications for HVAC loan program

For residents struggling with high temperatures, the city of Fort Wayne’s Heating and Air Conditioning Program may provide relief.

The city’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services is accepting applications for the program, which offers qualifying residents a zero-interest loan to replace and install new heating and air conditioning systems in their homes.

Loans are secured by a mortgage and must be repaid through monthly installments over 10 years. The application and approval process can take up to six months before new HVAC units are installed.

To qualify, applicants must own and occupy their home as their primary residence; the property must be located within Fort Wayne city limits. Household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income, which is $76,100 for a family of four.

Residents can review program guidelines and submit applications online at engage.cityoffortwayne.org/2026-hvac-program. City officials said the online application is the fastest way to apply.

Residents without internet access who prefer a paper application may call (260) 427-8585. Callers will answer a series of

brief questions and leave contact information on a voicemail system. A representative from the Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services will return calls in the order they are received to determine eligibility.

Residents needing language assistance may contact Language Services Network at (260) 4266764.

Funding for the program is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is limited. Applications will be reviewed on a first-completed, first-processed basis, and participation will be offered on a first-qualified, firstserved basis.

that living by moving the inventory - selling cars along with customized packages of extras, insurance, financing and a host of other add-ons that get slipped into the conversation willy-nilly and can fracture your finances if you aren’t alert.

If you have an auto to trade in, don’t take it on the lot with you.

Walk on the lot and do all your negotiating. Once you’ve settled on a price, then introduce your trade-in. Before going on the lot, find out how much you can get for your vehicle on the open market. That way you’ll know whether or not you’re getting a good deal.

The effects of burglary linger long after

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

More than a million homes are burglarized each year, which means couple of households are broken into and ransacked every minute.

More than half of these burglaries occur during the day. Few last longer than 10 minutes.

In two-thirds of these incidents, the thief knows and is known by the occupants of the residence. In many cases they are a relative.

A lot of the times, the thieves were part of a home remodeling crew or had been called to repair an appliance.

Statistics reveal that a burglarized home is likely to be broken into again within six months.

Anyone who’s been the victim of a burglary knows the result is more than just the loss of personal possessions. There’s the residual feeling of exposure and vulnerability - that someone could violate your private

space. And the fear that you could have been home when it happened.

If you return from a shopping trip or a several-week vacation and see you’re dwelling has been broken into, don’t go inside. The perpetrators might still be inside, so call the police and wait until they come and secure your residence.

After you’ve entered, take inventory. Walk through every room and write down what’s missing - computer, jewelry, television set, silverware, fur coats, anything and everything that’s not there. Give that list to the police. If you discover something else missing later, give that update to them. There is little likelihood your stuff will ever be retrieved but a copy of that list can be used to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. Make sure no credit cards are missing and you might consider changing bank account numbers if you can’t account for all your checkbooks.

Who to hire for caregiving support

By KURT NESS Ness Bros.

As caregiving needs increase, many families find they need

additional help. The challenge is often determining what type of help is needed and when to bring in professional support. Understanding the different types of

care services available can make it easier to choose the right solution.

Common Types Of Care

Companion care: Provides social interaction, transportation, meal preparation, errands and light housekeeping for seniors who are mostly independent.

Personal care aides/home health aides: Assist with daily

activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility and medication reminders.

Skilled nursing care: Licensed nurses provide medical services, including wound care, injections and monitoring health conditions.

Geriatric care managers: Help families coordinate care, evaluate living situations and develop

long-term care plans, especially when family members live far away.

Before hiring help, consider the senior’s physical and cognitive needs, safety concerns, available family support, budget, insurance coverage, local programs and future care needs. Experts recommend discussing care options before a crisis occurs. Planning ahead allows seniors to participate in decisions and helps reduce stress for families later. Families can hire caregivers independently or through an agency. Agencies often provide background checks, training, scheduling support and backup caregivers if someone is unavailable. Independent caregivers may cost less and offer more flexibility, but families often assume additional responsibilities, including screening, payroll, taxes and liability concerns.

Caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding. Bringing in outside help is not a sign of failure. It can improve quality of life for both seniors and family caregivers. Even a few hours of weekly assistance can reduce stress, improve safety and help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.