Key Positions
Haines, therapy dogs reporting for duty
By LINDA LIPP Feature Writer
Leslie Haines always knew she wanted to be a soldier when she grew up.
She did that for 33 years, even as her path began to veer in a different direction.
Ultimately, her journey led her to found Lutheran Military Veterans and Families Ministries in Fort Wayne.
“The name is so long because I know that military families are often left out of the equation. I wanted them to know that yes, they can get the same help here,” she said.
Founded in 2007, the organization later expanded its services to military contractors, police and firefighters. Its assistance to veterans is offered regardless of whether their discharge was under honorable conditions or not.
What’s more, the nonprofit’s counseling and other services are offered absolutely free of charge. No paperwork is filed with the Veterans Administration or insurance carriers. No federal grants are sought or accepted.
This guarantees privacy for service members and veterans in a climate where admitting a mental health issue can still jeopardize a career.
“Confidentiality is everything,” Haines said.
Medical records from the VA don’t have the same protections the law guarantees civilians, as Haines learned when she took a medical retirement after 33 years in the Army, rising to the rank of major.
Haines started out as enlisted, becoming a Huey (helicopter) crew chief. After four years, she “went over to the dark side,” enrolling in Officers Candidate School.
Over the years, she served just about everywhere, and eventually was medivaced out of Iraq. Her physical injuries required surgeries but the psychological ones were harder to treat.
“If I had not had a chaplain who saw past the physical stuff ,the spiritual distress, the spiritual darkness, a blackness I can’t describe, I wouldn’t be here today,” she acknowledged.
Haines enrolled at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne and graduated as a deaconess because the denomination did not allow women to serve as priests.
She later rostered with the North American Lutheran Church, which did allow women, and was ordained a year later in 2016.
The counseling service was founded while she was still in seminary. The services are non-denominational.
“I don’t care what their religious beliefs are. I’m not trying to make little Lutherans out of anybody. I’m there to show them the love of God, to listen, to help bring God’s healing into it,” she said.
Counseling sessions last an hour, and that’s a full hour
because no time is spent on paperwork. Dogs, currently a pair of golden retrievers, help provide their own kind of unconditional love and support as needed.
Sessions may be in person or over the phone. Chris Voors, a nurse practitioner who worked previously at the VA, also does counseling.
Haines travels frequently, working to educate other church communities about the need.
“We’re the only ones doing this in the way we’re doing this. We need more churches stepping up and groups stepping up to assist people in their own communities,” Haines said.
Funding relies heavily on donations.
A Christmas ornament “adoption” fundraiser brought in $100,000 last year. It started several years ago when Haines realized the ornaments she was putting on the office tree came from China.
Families can honor the veterans in their lives by putting their names on an ornament handmade by a veteran or family member. The ornaments are displayed on the group’s website and Facebook page.
For information, visit lmvfm. org.
Will my Medicare Advantage plan pay for home health care?
By MICHELLE WALTERS Health Insurance Shop
Home health care is a service that is often needed following a hospital admission but can also be available for individuals who are “homebound” and need part-time or intermittent skilled care.
A health care provider must assess your needs and certify that you need this level of care and “order” (like getting a prescription) the care. Home health care services must be provided by a Medicare-certified home
health care agency in order for it to be covered.
Because Home Health Care is a Medicare-covered service, all Medicare Advantage plans must also include it in its plans. Because home health care services are much less expensive than other forms of skilled care, most of your Medicare Advantage plans will include home health care at a $0 cost-share for the member (in-network).
Need help navigating your Medicare Advantage plan? Give us a call at (260) 484-7010, and we can walk you through it.
FORMER ARMY MAJOR Leslie Haines took a medical retirement after 33 years in the Army, rising to the rank of major. She founded Lutheran Military Veterans and Families Ministries in Fort Wayne.
Photo provided by Leslie Haines.
THERAPY DOGS These dogs, Dooley and Cooper, a pair of golden retrievers, help provide their own kind of unconditional love and support as needed during counseling services. Photo provided by Leslie Haines.
Honor Flight celebrates 54th flight for veterans this month
By PHOEBE MUTHART Editor
Honor Flight Northeast Indiana will celebrate its 54th flight to Washington D.C., Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Honor Flight Northeast Indiana has safely transported 4,064 veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.
For the upcoming 54th flight, 85 veterans are confirmed to participate: one from the Korean War, eight from the Cold War, and 76 from the Vietnam War.
Among these honored veterans, four have received Purple Hearts (one with valor), two have been awarded Bronze Stars, and another has received the Distinguished Cross: 11 Oakleaf Clusters.
“Thank you to the Fort Wayne, Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio communities for helping us fulfill our mission,
allowing Honor Flight Northeast Indiana to commemorate our 54th Honor Flight. A special thank you to the Waynedale American Legion Post 241 for hosting Honor Flight Northeast Indiana for our morning program,” HFNI President Cathy Berkshire stated. “We invite all individuals to participate in the welcome home celebration to recognize and pay tribute to these heroes upon their return from Washington D.C. that they so richly deserve.”
Plan to arrive at Fort Wayne International Airport around 8 p.m. Portions of the long-term parking will be closed and a majority of the people attending will be redirected to a designated area on Ardmore Avenue with shuttle service to and from Fort Wayne International Airport; plan to carpool, if possible. Due to construction at The Fort Wayne International Airport, most of the welcome home will be held outside. Plan to dress
Paradigm Health offers compassionate hospice, palliative care to families
By DAWN SELKE Chief Enrichment Officer Paradigm Health
In the upcoming weeks, many families will be gathering together for the holidays. These times together are a wonderful opportunity to share stories, make memories and plan for the future.
Conversations about caregiving aren’t always easy, but they’re vital to ensuring a smooth transition to the changes that come with illness and age.
You may suspect that it’s time for additional support, but feel unsure whether it’s really the right time. If any of the following rings true for your loved one, it may be time to consider how palliative or hospice care can be of support:
• More frequent doctor or hospital visits.
• Increased weakness or fatigue.
• Worsening mobility or needing more help with daily tasks.
• Decreased appetite or taking longer to finish meals.
• Noticeable weight loss.
• Spending more time resting or sleeping.
• Shortness of breath with light activity.
• Difficulty managing pain or other symptoms.
Whether your family is dealing with a chronic illness, a terminal condition or simply a life well-lived, palliative and hospice care offer care and relief.
Paradigm Health is nationally- recognized for bringing compassion and dignity to palliative and hospice care.
We are proud to be serving our community, right here in Allen County and the surrounding areas. When you’re ready to take the next step in supporting your loved one, our team is here to talk with you.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, call the Fort Wayne office at (260) 247-6500 or visit myparadigmhealth. com.
according to the weather and feel free to bring a folding chair or camping chair so sit down while waiting for our return.
Honor Flight is a volunteer-run, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible.
Honor Flight Northeast Indiana is a recognized independent hub of the Honor Flight network and was created to raise funds and provide
volunteers to take veterans from WWII and all wars after directly from Fort Wayne to Washington, D.C.
Upon arrival, motor coaches will be standing by to transport them to the World War II Memorial, as well as other memorial stops throughout the day, before flying them back home the same evening.
All flights are 100% funded by individual and corporate
contributions. It receives no funding from any level of the government.
Honor Flight was founded in May of 2004, when the WWII Memorial was finally completed and dedicated in Washington, D.C. WWII veterans do not pay anything for the trips. For more information or to donate, visit hfnei.org, call (260) 633-0049 or email contactus@hfnei.org.
HONOR FLIGHT Shown are veterans who went on Honor Flight Flight No. 52 to Washington, D.C., Sept. 11. Photos provided by Honor Flight.
Garry Pook, director of finance helps military families in need
By CINDY LARSON Feature Writer
Back in the 1960s, during the Vietnam War, Garry Pook, a young man at the time, realized he could either enlist or be drafted. He had some “special skills,” so he landed in the Army.
If you ask him what he did while in the Army, he simply says “classified.” But he does admit his skill is speaking fluent Russian.
When he came back home, he went to Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned three degrees in accounting,
CORPORATE OFFICE
communications and behavioral science. He never got harassed as so many Vietnam veteran did, because he couldn’t talk about what he did anyway.
Fast forward to 2013, when he went to work at Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County. At first, he did accounting and finance, then around 2016, he was asked to head the military families program at Associated Churches, which is an organization of churches that band together to help fulfill the needs of the community.
Often military families don’t have enough money to get by when a family member gets deployed. Pook said many servicemen have part-time jobs to supplement poor military pay, and when they get deployed, the source of income is gone.
He works with the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council, which helps active military spouses trying to survive with less money. They help with utility bills, house payment, rent, car repairs or many other types of expenses.
Pook’s program primarily serves military families who have a family member with the locally-based 122nd Fighter Wing, a unit of the Indiana Air National Guard, and the 293rd Army National Guard, also local.
come in and pack 14 lb. turkeys and all the fixings so military families can have a traditional Thanksgiving meal in their home. Sometimes, a local organization will donate the turkeys. The turkeys are raw, so the package comes with instructions on how to cook them for those who don’t know how.
The military families program raises money through special events, such as a 5K run on a runway at the airport and a golf tournament.
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The satisfaction Pook gets is through planning and carrying out events, especially for children. He was recently at the 122nd helping out with a trunkor- treat event for children.
At Thanksgiving, volunteers
Pook’s group also plans a military adoption program for 30-35 military families at Christmas. They provide clothes and shoes for adults and compile wish lists of what kids want. They collect all the donated gifts and take them out to the base, where they have a party. Pook plays Santa and his wife, Jean, plays Mrs. Claus.
He tells another story of a military family who bought a
house with a mold problem. On a Friday before Christmas, a notice posted on their door said if they weren’t out by that night, they would be evicted. Pook and his associates were able to find a place for them to live, moved them in, gathered food, paid the deposit for the first months rent and even bought toys for the three kids, all under age 5, all in the same day. Volunteers then set about tearing out areas of the house that needed mold remediation.
Pook, 81, has his hands full helping those military families who find themselves in need. In addition, he is also director of finance for Associated Churches. Asked if his duties require him to work full time, he said, “Oh yeah.”
HOLIDAY PARTY Garry Pook of Associated Churches of Fort Wayne, aka Santa Claus, goes to the local 122nd Fighter Wing base at Christmastime to participate in a holiday party hosted by Associated Churches. Photo provided by Garry Pook.
70s Flashback -
Trials and tribulations of the Tucson troubadour
Linda Ronstadt has sold over 100 million records, earned 11 Grammys, three American Music Awards, an Emmy, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
By RANDAL C. HILL
And yet, she has never considered herself a very good singer.
“I had a pretty normal life at home,” she recalls. “I listened to country music and Mexican songs on the radio. (Her father was Hispanic.) I never wanted to be anything but a singer. (But) I thought that I would be singing at pizza parlors or Holiday Inns or places like that.”
At age 18, she left Arizona with $30 and her father’s guitar: “I had to get where the music was, and it was not in Tucson but in L. A.”
Once settled in Hollywood, she and two male pals formed a trio called the Stone Poneys, the name coming from a Charlie Patton blues song. It didn’t take long to find work. (“We got gigs in little beatnik dives.”) Sometimes the band earned as little as $30 a night.
Each Monday, Hollywood’s hip
Troubadour folk-music club offered an open mic night, which served as a way for singers to audition and to be heard and seen by record company executives, managers and agents.
The Stone Poneys signed with Capitol Records and cut a Top 15 single called “Different Drum,” which had been written by future Monkee Mike Nesmith. But follow-up Poney tracks tanked, and the outfit split up. Ronstadt then toured as an opening act for such diverse artists as Neil Young, the Doors and Jackson Browne.
She eventually formed her own backup group, mostly comprised of Troubadour music friends who would, in time, become the Eagles.
Capitol Records signed Linda as a solo act, but she later switched to the more progressive Asylum label, claiming that staid old Capitol never really “got who I was.”
Ronstadt hit her stride in the 1970s, releasing million-selling albums and hit cover singles by such iconic artists as the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and Motowners Martha and the Vandellas, and Smokey Robinson’s Miracles.
Ronstadt racked up countless miles on the tour road, which she often found boring and lonely. She also waged person-
al battles against stage fright and discouragement, especially when performing at large venues. “Playing at Madison Square Garden is something you just endured,” she has admitted. “You can’t hear yourself. The crowd is restless. They’re out buying hot dogs. It’s not a really artistic experience.”
Around 2000, she noticed that her voice was giving her problems. “I saw my throat doctor every year for a checkup, but everything was fine. But I knew it was something. The top end of my voice kept slipping away.” The culprit was Parkinson’s disease.
No longer performing, she currently spends her free time knitting, gardening, sewing and reading. (“I do everything that I didn’t have time to do when I was on the road.”)
How would she like to be remembered? “That I wasn’t very good,” she says, “and I got better.”
Save time and air fare
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
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Atlantic oceans. This applies to anyone living close to such major hubs as Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, Phoenix and St. Louis. Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
LINDA RONSTADT
Pickleball player enjoys the sport
By CINDY LARSON Feature Writer
If you need inspiration for staying active when you age, look no further than Linda Van Vuren. She plays pickleball three to four times a week year round. Oh, and did we mention: she is 80?
Van Vuren exudes energy on and off the court. She darts about slamming the ball into her opponents’ side of the court. In casual conversations, she’s animated and enthusiastic.
“I’ve been athletic all my life,” she said. In the past, she has played racketball, volleyball and softball. She and her husband live in Naples, Fla., during the winter and that is where she first saw people playing picklelball about 10 years ago.
For those who don’t know, pickleball is sort of like tennis, but the courts are smaller and players use
lightweight paddles as opposed to rackets with strings. But the smaller courts don’t mean players can be slackers. They still have to run around on the court. “It’s like ping pong on your feet,” Van Vuren said.
In Fort Wayne, her partner is a 27-year-old man, Alan LaBov.
The two have a history together going back a long time. She was his nanny for 16 years. Now they usually play together Tuesday and Thursday nights at Ace Pickleball Club in Fort Wayne.
Van Vuren’s husband, who is 84, played pickleball until he was 80. He hung up his paddle when he got a new knee. He doesn’t mind that Linda still plays.
“My husband encourages it,” she said.
She said he played for fun, whereas “I’m a lot more competitive.”
She credits having three brothers who were very competitive for instilling that same spirit in her.
After 10 years in the sport, “people say I’m good,” Van Vuren said.
The pickleball club has two different areas: one for beginners and another area for advanced players. She likes to stick to the beginners’ court because she’d rather be one of the better players.
“Here, most of the time I do win,” she said. “It feels good at my age.”
Van Vuren said many older people do play pickleball, but she urges those who haven’t done much physically to use caution at first. The club offers free classes for beginners, and Vuren also recommends watching informative YouTube videos.
Of course, you can’t talk about pickleball without mentioning the social aspects. The Van Vurens have met friends both here and in Naples whom they get together with outside pickleball. Some couples have formed relationships by meeting and getting to know each other at a pickleball facility.
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Debbie Hampton, who works at Ace, said the facility is more than just a place to play sports.
“The biggest thing is community,” she said.
Fort Wayne Zoo, Blue Jacket present Fort Wayne Light Fest
The holiday season is now twice as bright as the Fort Wayne Zoo and Blue Jacket present Fort Wayne Light Fest.
Within Fort Wayne Light Fest, guests can drive through an awe-inspiring route of more than 200 animated light displays and brand new this year, enjoy Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo.
A new family tradition, Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo be-
gins in Santa’s Cottage with the opportunity to meet Santa himself. Guests can then journey into the zoo and walk among a dazzling display of nearly one-million lights, attend a dance party and a nightly tree-lighting hosted by Santa’s elves, toast s’mores, ride the Evergreen Express, decorate sugar cookies with festive favorites, and even get nose-to-nose with Santa’s reindeer.
Indiana Family Farm, Central Zoo, Coastal Cove, Red Panda Ridge and parts of Australian Adventure will be open for guests to walkabout.
Wild Lights will be open on select dates, beginning Friday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Exclusive early-elf discounts are available until Nov. 9. Discount rates are $8 for Fort Wayne Zoo members and $10 for non-members. Blue Jacket Fantasy of Lights is offering a 10% discount on tickets through this time.
“We are excited to partner with Blue Jacket to make the Fort Wayne holiday season twice as bright while also furthering the mission of two community nonprofits,” explained Rick Schuiteman, Fort Wayne Zoo director and CEO. “The heart of Fort Wayne Light Fest is to create an inclusive, joyful holiday experience that strengthens families and inspires people to care.”
“This is truly an all-encompassing experience for everyone: the family-tradition itself, Fantasy of Lights, a Christmas Village with a variety of vendors, and the brand-new Wild Lights,” stated Tony Hudson, CEO of Blue Jacket. “This collaboration perfectly reflects our shared commitment toward creating a meaningful experience for families across our city.”
Visit FWLightFest.org for exclusive early-elf discounts and a complete list of pricing, dates, and event information.
PICKLEBALLER Linda Van Vuren plays pickleball three to four times a week. Here she’s playing at Ace Pickleball Club in Fort Wayne. Photo by Cindy Larson.
Senior Relocation
Q. Is there a service to help me with my downsizing move?
A. Wanting to downsize from your home to a retirement community can be an overwhelming experience. Many times people want to move, but end up not doing so because of the many things that must be done.
A few comments that I have heard over the years include:
1) I have to spend money to fix up my home before I sell it.
2) My attic and basement are full of stuff; I will have to have a garage sale.
3) I have to pack and move all of my belongings.
Looking at this list of concerns would cause anyone to just say “Forget It!”
This is where we can help!
Tim McCulloch, Owner
Medicare Insurance
Health Care?
Our firm is highly recommended by many of the leading retirement communities in the Allen County area due to client satisfaction.
If you are thinking about making the transition to retirement living, call me at (260) 441-8636. My free analysis will give you the information you will need to make a better decision for yourself!
Sincerely, Timothy McCulloch
Our services include selling your home as-is in 30 days for your price, selling your unwanted items for fair market value, selling your antiques & collectible items, knowledgeable antique & real estate appraisal services, professional packing & moving services, climate controlled storage & more.
A. Home Health Care is a service that is often needed following a hospital admission but can also be available for individuals who are “homebound” and need part-time or intermittent skilled care. A healthcare provider must assess your needs and certify that you need this level of care and “order” (like getting a prescription) the care. Home Health Care services must be provided by a Medicarecertified home health care agency in order for it to be covered.
Because Home Health Care is a Medicare covered service, all Medicare Advantage plans must also include it in their plans. Because Home Health Care services are much less expensive than other forms of skilled care, most of your
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Q. I need help taking care of my parents but I don’t know where to start. Can you help?
A. Aging & In-Home Services (AIHS) offers a wide variety of programs and resources to support older adults and their caregivers to age-in-place.
The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) can help you and your family find support. When you call, an Options Counselor will listen and offer options to address your situation. They will also connect you with person-centered resources —whether that's help with daily tasks, care coordination across clinical and social needs, caregiver support and services, home safety modifications, Meals on Wheels, Chronic Disease Self -Management, benefits enrollment or other options to meet your loved one’s specific needs.
Todd Hunnicutt Family Caregiver Program Manager
When you call, you may be referred to the AIHS Family Caregiver Center for help reducing caregiver burnout through information, education, respite care, support groups, care coaching and more. If your loved one is showing signs of memory loss, they may qualify for the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Program. The GUIDE Clinic offers free diagnosis, care navigation, annual assessment and caregiver education.
Just Call Us or visit our website to learn more about community-based services and supports for you and your family.
Elder Law
Q. What are the Hidden Cost of Joint Bank Accounts?
A. Many parents add an adult child to a bank account for convenience—to help pay bills, manage finances, or make things easier if something happens. While that sounds practical, this simple step can create serious legal and financial problems.
When a child is added as a joint owner, that child becomes a legal coowner of the funds. That means the money can be treated as the child’s asset, too. If the child faces divorce, debt collection, or bankruptcy, the parent’s funds could be at risk. The same is true if the parent later applies for Medicaid—because the child’s name is on the account, Medicaid may view the entire balance as belonging to the parent, or consider any withdrawals by the child as gifts, which can delay benefits.
After death, ownership can also create conflict. A joint account usually passes directly to the surviving owner, even if a Will says otherwise. Other heirs may be left out entirely. Before adding anyone to your account, talk with an elder law attorney. There are safer ways to plan for convenience—without creating unintended consequences.
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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The 10th Annual Holiday Bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the American Legion No. 241 Auxiliary, 7605 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. Tables are $15, and electricity is $5. For reservations, call Vicki at (260) 7508021, Jean at (260) 438-4386 or the Legion at (260) 747-7851. Proceeds go to veterans and families and local charities. Come and enjoy; public welcome.
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Friday, Nov. 7, the celebration continues with “Here Come The Mummies: The Mummfest Tour,” featuring Lachy Doley and Platinum Moon.
This Nashville-based funk band is made up entirely of “5,000-year-old mummies.” The group has opened for Cheap Trick, performed at major festivals like Summerfest and appeared regularly on The Bob
and Tom Show. With identities kept under wraps and performances that melt minds, “Here Come The Mummies” delivers a Halloween-season spectacle unlike anything else. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at clydetheatre.com or in person at the Clyde Theatre Box Office, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne.
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“A Dolly for Christmas” will be held Nov. 13, at 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. The “halls are decked” for Christmas at the Swinney House for Settlers’ program on lovingly, handmade dolls. Participants are invited to bring their own special doll for “show and tell” and craft a heirloom Victorian clothespin doll ornament. There is refreshments and the fee is $20. It will be from 9-11:30 a.m. Reservations due by Nov. 5. Call (260) 432-7314 or visit settlersinc.org.
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…Something Blue until Nov. 16, public hours, at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Something old, something new, something borrowed… and Something Blue! Bask in the romance of summer and autumn at the
Churubusco & Columbia City
Botanical Conservatory where dramatic plantings, a grand fountain and enchanting scenes await nearlyweds bustling for “something blue.” One cannot help but notice the fairytale of blue beauty in full bloom. This formal landscape is a lovely backdrop for heartfelt memories, old or new, this year. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, English Bonter Mitchell Foundation and Majic 95.1.
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Joni Walker: Nature Walk/A Collection of Watercolor Paintings until Nov. 16, public hours, at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Walker began to draw as soon as she could hold a pencil. A lifelong resident of rural Indiana, she immersed herself in the beauty of the outdoors, spending countless hours sketching, coloring and letting her imagination roam free. Today, the birds and blossoms that live and bloom in her backyard inspire her watercolor paintings.
“Painting has led me to create habitats that attract birds, butterflies, bees and other creatures,” said the Columbia City artist. “I love knowing that my paintings might be the only
chance someone may have to see a nuthatch or warbler up close or the detail in the petals of a flower.” She also works as a children’s author/ illustrator and professional photographer. She was selected as an Indiana Artisan in 2023.
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Christmas Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1636 St. Marys Ave., Fort Wayne. The event will include a craft fair, cookie walk, music and food, including Johnny Appleseed pancake rollups. Santa Claus will be there from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
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Christmas At Home with the Swinney Sisters’ Tea: Celebrate the Christmas spirit with a tea party from 1:30-4 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at Fort Wayne’s Historic Swinney Homestead, 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. Victorian costumed settlers will be serving delicious sweets, savories and Christmas tea. The Swinney House will be decorated in Christmas grandeur, and you can find unique items in the Gift Shoppe. Tables seat four; $25/person; prepayment is required. For reservations, call (260) 432-4232 or (260)
403-9394. Proceeds support the Homestead. Visit settlersinc. org.
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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.
9 a.m. Wednesday, pixie bingo.
9-10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, line dancing.
9 a.m. Tuesday and Friday, 12:30 p.m. Thursday, euchre. 9 a.m. Tuesday, Bible study with Cheryl.
9 a.m. Thursday, craft and chat
10-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, chair exercise. Noon Tuesday, dominoes. 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, hand and foot card game.
1 p.m. Tuesday, Bible study with Bob.
—o—
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. Continued on Page 10
ApartmentLiving
235 E. Clingerman, Churubusco, IN 413 E. Columbia Dr., Columbia City
Dining/Leisure/Entertainment
Christ Child Festival: A holiday experience for families
The greatest gift we can give our children and grandchildren is time spent sharing the story of Christ.
Thanksgiving week, Fort Wayne families are invited to step into a world of wonder, faith, and togetherness at the Christ Child Festival Wednesday, Nov. 26. This year, people can experience the fun in two locations: Parkview Field from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
The Festival of Lights begins at 5:30 p.m. and requires a ticket for admission ($10); admission is free until age 4, when the park will close for preparations and reopen at 5:30 p.m. for the evening show. Enjoy a live nativity complete with animals near the entrance of Parkview Field from 1-9 p.m.
Allen County Public Library Main Branch will have events from 4-9 p.m. Admission is free. Library events are deco-
rating a bag and booklet with pictures of the images of the Crimson Thread journey and several other crafts to take home.
This year’s theme, “The Crimson Thread,” offers a poetic and visual journey through the Bible - from creation to Christ’s return. Through exhibits, crafts, and storytelling, children and adults alike will discover how God’s love is woven through scripture and through our lives.
This is more than just an outing - it’s a chance to share the Crimson Thread journey in a way that’s engaging, handson, and deeply meaningful. Imagine watching your child or grandchild decorate a Christmas craft and see the truth about Christ through vivid images. These are the moments, which become cherished memories.
Festival highlights are:
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld returns to the Embassy in February
The Embassy Theatre and JS Touring announced America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will perform on the historic Embassy Theatre stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will perform his newest stand-up routine.
Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere become the most successful comedy series in the history of television: “Seinfeld.” The show ran on NBC for nine seasons, winning numerous Emmy’s, Golden Globes, and People’s Choice awards, was named the greatest television show of all
time in 2009 by TV Guide, and in 2012, was identified as the best sitcom ever in a 60 Minutes, Vanity Fair poll.
He has produced movies, directed and produced a Broadway hit, and wrote three best-selling books and a children’s book, “Halloween. He stars in the Emmy-nominated comedy film, “Unfrosted,” which he directed, co-wrote, and produced. Seinfeld continues to perform both nationally and internationally.
Tickets are $57.50, $67.50, $87.50 and $177.50 (plus applicable fees) and can be purchased at fwembassytheatre. org, ticketmaster.com and the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy or call (260) 424-5665.
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• Experience the thread of love from creation to second coming of Christ.
• At the library, stop at the craft stations to make a bag and booklet of the journey.
• Take home a Christmas gift bag with candy canes and crafts.
Volunteers are much appreciated, whether you’d like to greet guests, help with crafts, or simply be part of the celebration. No experience is needed; just come with a heart to serve.
So gather your children and grandchildren and come
Comedian Rodney Carrington
The Embassy Theatre and Outback Concerts announce comedian Rodney Carrington will be back on the historic Embassy Theatre stage at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
Carrington is known for witty and sarcastic humor that he blends into various mediums of standup, music and short films. He integrates his country roots seamlessly into the essence of his demeanor and writing style.
As a multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer, he has performed at sold-out shows around the world as one of the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades.
A platinum-recording artist, he has had eight major record label comedy albums, followed by three albums on his own record label, Laughter’s Good Records. His last album “Here Comes the Truth” climbed to No. 3 on the comedy charts,
share the joy of the season. The Christ Child Festival is more than an event - it’s a chance to pass on faith, love, and the true meaning of Christmas. For details or to volunteer, visit christchildfest.org or its Facebook page @ChristChildFestivalFW.
returns to the Embassy
accruing tens of millions of streams on Spotify and even spawned a Netflix special. He broke through with his major label comedy CD debut “Hangin’ With Rodney” in 1998. Next, he brought his fans nine more Top 10 comedy albums, all of which continue to receive radio airplay and regularly place on the national comedy charts. “Hangin’ With Rodney” and “Morning Wood” earned RIAA gold record certification, and Greatest Hits (a double CD) reached platinum status.
He also released “Make it Christmas,” which features his original song “Camouflage and Christmas Lights,” a tribute to the military.
He also released his book “Coming Clean,” published by Hatchette Books. He’s starred in his own TV sitcom, Rodney, which ran for two seasons on ABC, co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature
film, “Beer for My Horses,” which won the Tex Ritter Award from the ACM, and starred in his own Netflix special “Here Comes The Truth” He’s also appeared on other TV shows, including the American Country Awards, hosted the American Country New Year’s Eve Live show on Fox, and won “Supporting Character of the Year” from the CMT Music Video Awards for his appearance on the Trace Adkins’ music video “I Got My Game On.”
Tickets are $39.50, $49.50, $59.50, $69.50 and a VIP option at $199.50 (plus applicable fees) and can be purchased at fwembassytheatre.org, ticketmaster.com and the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne.
Ticketing link: ticketmaster.com/ event/05006341E8DD850F.
206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542
The winner of the I Spy Contest for October is Denise Heying from Mishawaka. The ‘Autumn Decoration’ was located on page 8 in Senior Life Allen; page 8 in Senior Life Northwest; page 2 in Senior Life Elko and page 9 in Senior Life St. Joseph.
Former chaplain served in the military
By CINDY LARSON Feature Writer
Rev. Roger Reece was ordained in the United Methodist Church, but he spent a good part of his early years jumping out of military airplanes.
He served as chaplain with the 82nd Airborne Paratroopers in the mid-1980s. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, a U.S. Army military installation in North Carolina. His wife was an Army nurse, so the assignment worked out well for both of them.
With the 82nd Airborne he said he “jumped out of planes for a living.” As part of a support unit, he had to go where the soldiers went, and they got where they were going by parachuting out of planes.
He became airborne qualified. Once qualified, he jumped out of planes lots of times when the troops were practicing. One memory that sticks with him is jumping in Puerto Rico.
He was on active duty at Fort Bragg for three years before becoming a chaplain at the notorious Leavenworth Prison in Kansas at age 28. From its opening in 1903 until 2005, it served as the largest maximum-security federal prison in the United States. It’s now a medium-security prison, but when Reece was there it was still a maximum security prison. At that time, it housed the worst of the worst military
for 10 years and now works for Congressmen Marlin
criminals, including murderers. The imposing facility was built out of limestone, so it had a depressing, cold feel.
medication reminders. They treated me like family.” K. Ellen L. Client, Fort Wayne
“It is a very dark place, both emotionally and physically,” he said. “My job was to provide hope in the midst of all that ugliness.”
He did more listening than counseling. And though many of the incarcerated had mostly given up hope and didn’t have much to care about, “Family is still important to them,” he said.
He was one of about 10 chaplains at the prison. In his role there, he provided spiritual care and held worship services.
Fast forward to today. Reece is now executive director of Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County.
“Today, Associated Churches is a unique faith-based organization that brings together volunteers, churches and businesses to pray, serve, and work together to improve our community and respond to those in need,” according to the organization’s website.
Associated Churches has
a military program to help soldiers and military families.
The organization has a special partnership with the 122nd Fighter Wing, 293rd Infantry Regiment, and Northeast Indiana Base Community Council, providing military families with help when they are in need.
Reece knows the challenges of trying to provide for families in need on a military salary.
“I have a real heart for soldiers and airmen, who work really hard for little pay. We also provide emergency relief,” he said.
Ask shop clerk where to eat
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Finding a good place to eat when you’re on the road, whether your just over the county line or in downtown Tokyo, is usually high on the list of things you want to achieve.
Most folks check with the concierge in their hotel or the desk clerk at their motel. A few ask the cab driver that hauled them from the airport to their inn.
The best sources of information are the people who live and work there.
Pop into a shoe store or pharmacy or any shop and ask the workers where they eat lunch or where they take their dates for dinner. You’ll save a lot of time and money, and get blue-ribbon on-the-spot advice.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA
Continued from page 8
Open gym, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Adult open gym, 6-8 p.m. 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.
READY TO JUMP Roger Reece was a chaplain at Fort Bragg, N.C., when he was part of a support unit with the 82nd Airborne. He’s pictured here with a parachute in a C141 aircraft en route for a jump. Photo provided by Roger Reece.
PRISON CHAPLAIN Roger Reece is pictured with his son, Rob, taken when Roger Reece was a chaplain at Leavenworth Prison in Kansas. All grown up, Rob Reece was a Fort Wayne Police officer
Stutzman. Photo provided by Roger Reece.
A switch in time
“What time is it?” I asked my wife.
“It’s exactly 5 o’clock,” she replied as she glanced at the grandfather clock (grandpa, from now on) in our living room.
NUTSHELL By DICK WOLFSIE
“It can’t be, Mary Ellen. It was precisely 5 o’clock 20 minutes ago. Come to think of it, it’s been 5 all day. Isn’t it only supposed to be 5 o’clock twice a day? I do like it, though, because whenever I look at the clock, it’s time for an aperitif.”
That’s when we realized our favorite antique had ceased to function. It wasn’t that we depended on it; we both have digital watches and a microwave that tells the time, but
this was a fixture in our home with a long history in Mary Ellen’s family.
Just to annoy my wife, I suggested getting rid of grandpa. Understandably, this made her angry.
“Get rid of it? Get rid of it? This is a family heirloom, over 100 years old. It’s timeless.”
“I know it’s timeless. That’s the problem.”
We finally found a repairman to come to our house. There are very few repair women who fix grandfather clocks. But there are also very few grandmother clocks. By the way, the big difference between a grandmother clock and a grandfather clock, according to Wikipedia, is that a grandfather clock is taller and has a much longer pendulum.
The repairman was very knowledgeable about the history of the antique, informing us it was over 100 years old and of German origin. I wondered if I
could fix it myself with a little intimidation. I tried my best German accent: “If you don’t start verking, vee can make you tock.”
The repair was successful. We were delighted grandpa was back in working order. Not only was he keeping time, but his chiming ability had been restored. Recently, he hadn’t celebrated each hour with a tuneful outburst but simply ticked away. Mary Ellen and I were eager to hear him and also see if his dinging and donging would awaken us at night.
The repairman left at 4:20 p.m., so we had to wait until 5 p.m. to see if the old guy was really operating. It was like waiting for a pot to boil: 4:55, 4:56, 4:57, 4:58, 4:59, 5, 5:01, 5:02, 5:03. Nothing. Mary Ellen wanted to wait a little longer. Grandpa was over 100 years old; he deserved a little time to get up to speed. Ironically, for
most of his life, he was fast. “I’m not sitting here another hour,” I said.
But, of course, I did.
At 7 p.m. he chimed, but he didn’t at 8 p.m. At 9 p.m., he was right on target. Not at 10 p.m. So, we figured that he only chimed on odd hours, which seemed, well, very odd. The next day, he chimed at 9 p.m. again but only eight times. Should we believe the clock or the number of chimes? The following day, he dinged whenever he wanted: 5, 5:50, 6:45, and 11:20. At noon, he chimed. We threw our hands up, just like grandpa does at noon and midnight.
Now, a week later, for reasons we will never understand, grandpa is functioning perfectly with a melodious sound right on the hour with the proper number of chimes. How long will this good fortune last?
Time will tell.
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Annual Festival of Trees Nov. 26 to Dec. 3
The Embassy Theatre will host the Festival of Trees. This year, the festival celebrates 41 years of holiday splendor as one of the region’s most-anticipated traditions. The organization will host the week-long event from Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Wednesday, Dec. 3.
The Embassy has extended hours on the first day of the festival from 3-9 p.m. Nov. 26.
This was designed to allow patrons to visit the festival before downtown’s Night of Lights activities begin at 6 p.m.
Also note that the organiza-
tion will offer sensory-friendly festival hours from 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, and a sensory-friendly breakfast with Santa.
Festival Of Trees Details Founded in 1984 as the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, the Festival of Trees supports ongoing operational and restoration efforts for the Embassy Theatre Foundation. Last year’s event included 64 sponsored trees and a record-breaking 25,117 attendees.
The annual traditions at the
Lions hosting fish fry Nov. 8
The Tri-Lakes Lions Fish and Tenderloin Fry is from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Tri-Lakes Lions Hall, 2935 E. Colony Ave., Columbia City. This is a drive-thru only event. Meat or a meal costs $15 and a quart of potato salad is $7.
festival continue in 2025. The lobbies of the Embassy Theatre and former Indiana Hotel will transform into a wonderland of decorated trees of diverse sizes, shapes and a broad array of themes. Admission includes visits with Santa and entertainment on stage including the Grande Page pipe organ as well as youth choirs, dance performances and more; stage schedule is subject to change.
The Thanksgiving film this year will be “Elf.” Patrons can also visit the animated classic holiday windows along Harrison Street and at the corner of Jefferson Blvd. and Harrison Street.
During the special sensory-friendly hours from 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, guests can enjoy the festival with reduced lighting, easier movement and no stage programming. The limited capacity ensures quieter surroundings for a more relaxed experience. A limited number of sensory
kits will be available to borrow.
Note: these hours are reserved for guests with sensory needs and their families.
Ticket pricing for the Festival of Trees is $12 per adult (13 plus years), $5 for youth ages 1-12, and children under 1 year old are free. A ticket is still required for entry to determine an accurate visitor count.
There will be special pricing for seniors on Senior Day only for $8 per senior Dec. 2.
In addition, members of the community who wish to be involved in tree decoration should contact Brittneay KingPope, special events director, at brittneay@fwembassytheatre.org or at (260) 247-9384.
Breakfast with Santa
This annual event includes breakfast guests only tour of the trees at 8:30 a.m. followed by breakfast with Santa around 9 a.m. in the Embassy ballroom. A hot breakfast buffet will be served, sure
to delight the whole family. Guests will also enjoy a performance of “A Christmas Story” presented by the Fort Wayne Youtheatre. Seating is limited and sells out every year. Cost for the breakfast is $35 per person.
A sensory-friendly breakfast with Santa is Sunday, Nov. 30 only. This event will feature the same Santa experience as above with the following features:
• Fewer people (extremely limited capacity) and easy movement.
• Sensory-friendly activities, including coloring and fidget tools.
• A limited number of Embassy sensory-friendly kits available to borrow.
• A calming zone will be available away from the dining area.
•Guests are encouraged to bring their own sunglasses for light sensitivity and other needed supports.
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Blast to the Past -
‘Calypso’ John Denver’s last visit to BillBoard’s Top 10 singles
John Denver
Many creative people seem to have a muse that provides much-appreciated guidance. But what happens when that same muse goes AWOL - and at a moment when it’s needed the most?
A Boomer Blast To The Past
By RANDAL C. HILL
After creating musical odes to America’s natural wonders, John Denver selected a new subject for his final RCA Records winner; “Calypso” and it also became the singing poet’s last visit to Billboard’s Top 10 singles listing.
The haunting ballad was released as the B side to “I’m Sorry,” which briefly topped the Billboard chart. But when
that song slid out of first place, “Calypso” emerged as the preferred offering, and is now the better-remembered of the tunes.
Oceanographer and documentary filmmaker Jacques Cousteau inspired an entire generation to take an interest in the world’s waters. As a youngster, a near-fatal car wreck had left Jacques with two broken arms. For his rehabilitation, he began swimming in the Mediterranean Sea - and quickly became fascinated with all things ocean.
He co-invented the AquaLung, in use to this day in SCUBA-diving. He eventually acquired a World War II British minesweeper which, in time, became the Calypso and a floating research laboratory and movie studio.
Denver met Cousteau in Belize and was so impressed with what he saw that, on the spot, Denver felt inspired to write “Calypso,” a ballad meant to honor Jacques’s ship and the good being done on it. Denver
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took his acoustic guitar (which he always carried with him) and quickly created a rousing chorus.
“Aye, Calypso, the places you’ve been to
“The things that you’ve shown us, the stories you tell
“Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit
“The men who have served you so long and so well.”
Then, somehow, Denver slammed into an artistic brick wall, as the words simply stopped flowing. Discouraged and embarrassed, he returned home to Colorado and spent some sleepless nights trying to conjure the remaining lyrics he sought. He always drew a blank.
What had happened to the muse from his past that had inspired him to create such works as “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders”?
Strangely, Denver’s lyrics about honoring Cousteau’s
oceangoing vessel eventually came to him while he was skiing near his Aspen home. While on the slopes, Denver experienced an electric-like “zap” that demanded his return home to bring the remainder of “Calypso” to a proper finish.
The rest of the words flowed effortlessly to him as he drove 25 minutes to his house. By the time Denver pulled into the driveway, the uplifting lyrics were finished.
“To sail on a dream on a crystal-clear ocean
“To ride on the crest of the wild raging storm
“To work in the service of life and the living
“In search of the answers to questions unknown
“To be part of the movement and part of the growing
“Part of beginning to understand.”
Denver would declare, “It’s one of the best songs I’ve ever written,” and he often closed later concerts with “Calypso.”
Thank you, muse.
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JOHN DENVER
Barge through France with Bacchus
By FYLLIS HOCKMAN Mature Life Features
The 12 of us gathered for a sumptuous four-course gourmet dinner, each dish seasoned, served and savored with elan. The artistically folded napkins were rivaled only by the several glasses at each setting aligned to designer specification. The conversation flowed as freely as the wine, laughter bubbling up and over the table like a fine bottle of champagne.
It was hard to believe we had met for the first time just a few hours earlier when we boarded our luxury barge for a week-long cruise on the waterways of France.
This is not a cruise as most of the world defines it. The boat is small; the body of water of is a canal, not the ocean; there are no swimming pools or discos on deck, and shipboard activities range from reading on the sundeck to reading in the parlor area.
We were aboard a barge named the Nenuphar. It was one of four operated by French Country Waterways Ltd. that lumber through the Loire Valley on canals dating as far back as 1604. They wind through tree-lined towpaths and past medieval villages, stately chateaux, rolling fields, and endless vinyards.
All the senses are satiated, but taste and smell predominate, with wine and food the focus of the trip. The de rigueur Plat de Fromage, a selection of three different cheeses, is served with as much reverence as the wine.
Celebrating 46 yrs 888-262-4423
The table is hushed as it learns of the wine’s vintage, heritage, blush, fruity nose, supple taste, sweet aroma, lightness, elegance, finesse, its children, hobbies, indiscretions — whatever.
Comparable homage is paid to the cheese. There’s always your basic cow, goat and blue varieties.
When I returned home, I found it difficult to look at a glass of wine or wedge of cheese without wanting to know its entire history.
The French take their wine and their cheese very seriously. If this barge were to sink, the crew would save the wine and cheese first. Fortunately, this is not a concern in four feet of water.
And it is this wine-andcheese worshiping crew hailing from across Europe that sets the tone for the trip.
Case in point: I was sitting on deck reading and lusting after a refreshing glass of white wine. And voila! Alice, one of the hostesses, appeared with a glass in hand. I raised a very skeptical eyebrow.
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NOV 17-21 BRANSON CHRISTMAS, a Tradition. Ride thru the Fantastic Caverns, 6 Great Shows: The Dutton Family, The Hughes Brothers, Daniel O’ Donnell, Doug Gabriel, Sight & Sound’s DAVID, Cassandra Voice of an Angel, Lamberts Café.
DEC 6 YULETIDE CELEBRATION, Indianapolis. Enjoy a Matinee Performance of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and 45 Broadway Singers & Dancers. Hosts Ashley Brown and Curtis Bannister. Ashley originated the title role of Mary Poppins on Broadway and Curtis just recently starred in The Color Purple in Chicago. Lunch too.
DEC. 8-12 BLUE MOUNTAIN MIST CHRISTMAS Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Sevierville TN: Four Nights at the Blue Mountain Mist Bed & Breakfast, Patty Waszak Show, Smoky Mtn Church Tour, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Red Skelton Tribute Show, Guided Pokin’ around the Smokies Tour, Country Tonite Show, Dollywood, Gatlinburg Light Tour. 2026 SAVE THE DATES
MAY 4: THE TULIPS OF HOLLAND MICHIGAN
JUNE 1-7: ROUTE 66 MISSOURI to OKLAHOMA
JUNE 17-23: RIDE THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, LaCross WI to Red Wing MN.
JULY 13-15: 250TH AMERICAN CELEBRATION, An Ohio salute to the USA.
JULY 22-23: THE GREAT GATSBY, Grand Rapids MI.
OCT. 2-7: ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA, A Fly Tour with Mayflower Cruises & Tours. Details: www.s-stravel.com
Tour Calendar: Call 888-262-4423 Tours Depart Goshen/Kendallville/Auburn/Ft. Wayne
“Télépathique,” she explained in her irresistible French accent. The whole crew was “telepathique” — and magnifique.
Delightfully planned excursions to French chateaux, abbeys,villages, or to a wellknown vineyard for a wine tasting take up most of the afternoons.
My husband and I chose to skip a tour of an artisan oak wine-barrel-making facility
By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer
because it sounded boring. Each sliver of wood, we were told later, is handcrafted and the artistry throughout impressive. The other 10 passengers spoke about the outing with reverence for the next two days.
We didn’t make the same mistake at the pottery factory, where the totally hand-crafted creations, fashioned here since 1821, more resemble works of art than
I took piano lessons once. Actually, I took them twice Nothing much ever came of it. But the experience was nice. And then I bought a new guitar. Thinking this might work for me. Loving that old time rock and roll. Perhaps a rock star wannabee. Well, I took guitar lessons once.
Barge cruising is synonymous with slow. You could probably get to your destination faster by walking, but that’s not the point. Traveling by barge is about enjoying the process, reveling in the countryside, and mastering the fine art of relaxation. Oh yes, it’s also about the wine and the cheese.
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experience
Actually, I took them twice. Nothing much ever came of it.
But the experience was nice. Minimal skill but still a gain, my musical skills were not found. I do still blow an old harmonica, but only when no one is around.
Now my kinfolk in Texas convinced me. The ukelele is here to stay.
So I bought one and I love it. Unfortunately, I have yet to play.
BARGING Nenuphar on the river. Photo from Mature Life Features.
‘A LA CAMPAGNE’ The countryside along the canal is breathtaking. Photo from Mature Life Features.
Breathtaking Palm Springs aerial tramway
By FYLLIS HOCKMAN
Mature Life Features
The world’s larges rotating cable car suspended alongside the California mountain overlooking Palm Springs doesn’t sound appealing to someone like me, who isn’t all that happy about heights.
But safely enclosed as it slowly climbed to the top, I was able to fully appreciate the surroundings and prepare for even a more spectacular view awaiting me at the summit. And enjoy several attractions not usually associated with mountain tops.
The tramcar travels 2.5 miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to a height of more than 8,500 feet, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the desert below and the rugged mountain landscape.
As I focused on the scenes unfolding above me and below me, I overheard several people saying, “Okay, that’s high enough.” The popping in my ears alerted me to the increase in attitude. And then the experience began.
A restaurant and, as expected, a gift shop and 360-degree views, of course. Add a couple of theaters and a natural history nestled within 50 miles of hiking trails from easy to moderate to strenuous.
You could live up there. But keep in mind that temperatures can be as much as
30 degrees cooler than the city below.
Stunning views are everywhere. And looking down offers a very different perspective than looking up. The high-elevation patchwork of meadows, granite peaks and conifer forest is hard to turn away from.
You don’t often get a chance to look down upon the famed San Andreas fault - which Californians are always waiting to erupt into a dreaded earthquake. The sign at the viewing area warns the fault is moving almost 2 inches a year, suggesting that in a million years, Los Angeles and San Francisco will be neighbors.
Back at the restaurant a number of big-horn sheep straddled the mountainside right outside our table-side window.
One movie theater describes how to negotiate the mountain to best preserve the habitat, animal life and rangers in the San Jacinto wilderness. Two hundred species of wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, deer and bobcats roam the park. The other film tells the inspiring story of the creation of this monumental architectural “building of a dream” almost four decades ago.
And then there’s the nature museum featuring all the plants and animals in the park, which is the largest wilderness area in southern California.
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Escorted tours offer safety, mobility
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Travel in any form can be rewarding, whether its hitch-hiking solo around the world or cruising the Caribbean in a luxury liner loaded with hundreds of folks.
In most cases, people seem to enjoy traveling with other people. Cruise lines, tour operators, travel agents and the internet offer endless choices on destinations, levels of comfort, length of time, variety of activities, and type of lodgings.
If you wish to avoid the crowds participating in most of the above, you can seek out an escorted tour that is tailored more closely to your tastes.
They can make travel much simpler because your trip is preplanned and you have the safety and security of traveling in a group. When any problem arises, the tour escort handles it.
These group travelers no longer have to spend their trip packed into a bus between stops to take photos of their sites.
Now they feed the animals
on the farm they visit if they wish and have plenty of free time to tour the villages they visit on the back roads they travel.
An attraction right off is that the cost of such a tour is an all-in-on package that’s much cheaper than booking all the components yourself. The price includes transpor-
tation, meals, lodgings and activities on your schedule.
Among the major attractions of an escorted group tour is the ability to focus on a particular destination, event or activity.
You can be part of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem or to the Olympic games in a country you’ve always wanted
to visit.
Or you can be among a group that settles comfortably into Tuscany or southern France for a few days to sip
and sample their wines.
You can do almost anything and visit anywhere you wish, but don’t have to go it alone.
2025
WILDLIFE IN THE HIGH LIFE Bighorn sheep wander outside the a Palm Springs Aerial Tramway restaurant.
VERTIGO Palm Springs’ rotating cable car system, the world’s largest, offers panoramic views of the mountainsides and canyons below.
Text and Photos
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Faster processing of disability claims for people with Alzheimer’s disease
By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office
Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. It is a brain condition that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Since the onset of Alzheimer’s can occur in younger people before they retire, it may affect their ability to work as
the disease progresses. Our benefits and services are especially vital to people with early-onset Alzheimer’s who are unable to work and may have no other source of income. They may want to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. Our Compassionate Allowances program provides faster processing of disability claims for people with early-onset
Alzheimer’s disease and several other neurodegenerative (brain degenerative) disorders.
More than a decade ago, Social Security added early-onset Alzheimer’s disease to our Compassionate Allowances program. You can learn more about our Compassionate Allowances program at ssa.gov/ compassionateallowances. Share this information with friends and family.
How to start, challenges to expect
By KURT NESS Realtor, Co-Broker, Auctioneer Ness Bros.
The hardest part of rightsizing is letting go of the items we have become so familiar with and, in some cases, even love. There is no rule that says everything must be liquidated. It’s good to keep your most cherished items or, more practically, to keep parts or pictures of these items. For example, scraps of a wedding dress or pieces of a special blanket are easily stored and can be kept indefinitely.
It’s not the stuff that is hard; it’s the stories behind the stuff. Just because something is in someone else’s possession doesn’t mean the story is lost. Try not to
let sentiment take over, but stay focused on the goal, which is to clear things out and move on to the next chapter.
Handling the Unexpected: Renae’s Story
Renae’s parents were in good health and living independently until they got into an unexpected car accident. When she and her sister went to find documents necessary for the hospital and attorney, they both quickly realized neither of them had any idea where to look. Fortunately, her parents were coherent and able to give them specific instructions and guidance.
How To Be In Control
Over the past several decades of serving our clients, we can attest that not everyone is so
lucky. The importance of having information gathered in advance and letting at least one (nonspouse) family member know can greatly reduce the stress and confusion which usually accompanies these situations. Contact our Senior Relocation team to get help and answers to your questions on rightsizing; we’re here to help you deal with unexpected situations. Reach out to our relocation specialists at (260) 459-3911 in Fort Wayne or (260) 356-3911 in Huntington. You can also contact us through our website NessBros.com, or stop in one of our offices, located at 3344 Mallard Cove Lane, Fort Wayne, or 519 N. Jefferson St., Huntington.
The Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana offers a free workshop on Family History and Genealogy every third Wednesday of each month. These workshops are free; no registration required.
The next workshop will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in The Genealogy Center on the second floor of the Allen County Public Library in downtown Fort Wayne. The topic for this
FASTER PROCESSING Social Security provides faster processing of disability claims for those with Alzheimer’s. Learn more by checking out the Compassionate Allowances program. Photo provided by Social Security Administration.
Compost Festival will be from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 7, in the parking lot at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 450 W. Washington Blvd., downtown Fort Wayne.
Drop off pumpkins and gourds to keep them out of the landfill and check out partners showing off all different sorts of ways to make sustainable choices for your family.
Activities and participants
workshop will be researching legal and public documents onsite and online.”
Family Tree Maker Users Group
The Family Tree Maker Users Group is open to anyone interested in learning how to use genealogy software, such as Legacy, Roots Magic, and Family Tree Maker. This group is sponsored by the Allen County Genealogical
include children’s crafts, a hot dog station, candy wrapper recycling, a s’mores station, vintage clothing, food not bombs, pumpkins smashing, Singin’ Sunshines Bubbles, EcoFest FW, Kaz the Fire Twirler, Dicks Organics, and Avocado Shag Shop. Visit trinityenglish.org or call (260) 426-3424 for more information.
Society of Indiana. The users group is free; no registration is required.
The next Family Tree Maker Users Group will be at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in The Genealogy Center on the second floor of the Allen County Public Library in downtown Fort Wayne. The topic for this workshop will be entering data into the Family Tree Maker software.
Inflation is a four-letter word
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
There’s a lot of talk about inflation these days.
No one can pin point its cause nor can they really explain what it means. One generally accepted description is “Too much money chasing too few goods.” An economic term describes it as a general increase in prices and a fall in the purchasing power of money.
However you say it, it still means things cost more than they used to.
We’ve heard about the higher prices of cars, lumber, homes, and everything on the supermarket shelves.
But higher prices alone do not mean we should hyperventilate about inflation. They’re one of the elements
that create inflation but the real culprit is the decline of your money’s purchasing power.
Just because the price of air fare goes up because everyone’s going on vacation doesn’t mean we’re being hit by inflation.
Money mavens are interested more in why prices rise. A rainy season can ruin a crop, boosting its price until regular seasonal supply can be resume. Supply-chain breakdowns can cause sudden but short-lived surges in the price of certain products.
Those events are not to be confused with inflation.
There are those who wail when the Federal Reserve Bank prints more money to meet demand because that lowers the value of currency.
Money supply is import-
ant, but so is the demand for money. If you lose confidence in the future of your currency, you’re likely to seek something else that will maintain its power to purchase what you need and want. Dumping dollars for gold and silver is one common practice, as is buying another country’s currency.
Like so many economic theories and multi-syllabic words, inflation is not easy to define.
When prices rise when consumers change their behavior or supply chains get snarled, that’s not inflation.
But when prices climb because there’s a shift in the supply of and demand for money, that’s when inflation starts to become a problem.
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