declared over, but the need for blood is still constant.
Who Can Give?
Phlebotomists stay busy - there is always a need for blood donations and collection efforts go on every day around the nation. The American Red Cross, for example, collects about 12,000 units of blood per day and supplies 2,500 hospitals across the United States.
In March, however, the organization experienced a severe shortage. During the winter, many drives were canceled or donations went uncollected due to severe weather. The shortage has been
Hospitals must always have blood at the ready when a car accident, a difficult birth, surgery or cancer treatment put someone in dire need of a blood transfusion.
David Lovvorn, the Red Cross’s biomed account manager for the northeast Indiana area, emphasized this necessity.
“Every unit of blood in a hospital in the United States is from a donor,” he said. “It can’t be manufactured or stored for long periods of time, so we have to keep collecting it every day.”
WRAPPING UP Jeff Wilson has his arm bandaged by Red Cross phlebotomist Josh Downs, left, after donating blood at Calvary United Methodist Church, Syracuse.
“You’re never too old to donate,” Lovvorn said. A person weighing at least 110 pounds who is in good health on the day of a blood drive is eligible to give whole blood.
Continued on page 2
ABOVE: READY TO GIVE Karen Griffith, left, has her arm cleaned by Red Cross phlebotomist Jessika Hansen in preparation for giving blood during a drive at Calvary United Methodist Church, Syracuse. Griffith, 77, has been giving blood for about 35 years.
RIGHT: FRINGE BENEFITS
Phlebotomist Dee Manley holds up one of the blood cell pillows given away to donors at a Red Cross blood drive at Milford Elementary School, March 12.
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Teresa Jones: Steward of history
Text and Photos By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer
It took a while for Teresa Jones to follow her love of history to a position as director of the Kosciusko County Historical Society.
After graduating from Tippecanoe Valley High School, Jones attended Ball State University and earned a degree in political science with a minor in telecommunications. She used that education to begin a career in television news, both on and off-screen at various points.
Once she became a mother, she home-schooled her children and later started writing curricula for speech, government and history. She went on to teach online and at co-ops for home-school students before accepting the position of director in 2024.
“I’ve always loved history,” she said. “I’m really big into the Lewis and Clark expedition ... It was such a fascinating time in history. When they set off, they thought there might be dinosaurs. There was just so much they didn’t know.”
She’s also keenly interested in the impact of “robber barons” like J.D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie - fitting, when just down the street from the
Hospitals
Continued from page 1
In fact, those with diabetes and heart disease are still eligible to donate, if their condition is under control and they are feeling well on the day.
The donation process takes 45 minutes to one hour in total.
After donors sign in, a phlebotomist will test their pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels before asking a series of
historical society’s headquarters in the Old Jail Museum is the Warsaw Community Public Library, a Carnegie library.
The Kosciusko County Historical Society is a repository for reams of information about the past, expressed through many different forms - photographs, yearbooks, film, artwork, handwritten correspondence, genealogical records and dozens upon dozens of the ordinary objects used by everyday people throughout the county’s past. Some of Jones’s favorite items in the collection are the “senior cords.” In this 20th-century tradition, high school students painted corduroy pants or skirts with symbols telling the story of their interests, extracurriculars and future plans.
The historical society relies heavily on volunteers, especially in the genealogy library.
Part of Jones’s job is to make them feel welcome and ensure they have a job to do.
“If you volunteer for something, you don’t want to come in and just sit here,” she said.
Beyond the daily minutiae, Jones works with the other staff and board of directors to decide the “big picture things.”
“It’s a huge year for history right now,” she said. Deciding how and when the Old Jail Museum will celebrate
questions about their health. If there are any other concerns about eligibility, they will be addressed here.
“Those (tests) are necessary to make sure it’s safe for you to donate. They’ll also ask you about recent travel, health conditions, medications. That’s where they get into the nitty-gritty. ... (The phlebotomist) will know if it’s safe for you,
PIECES OF THE PAST
Teresa Jones, director of the Kosciusko County Historical Society, is shown with a painted corduroy skirt. “Senior cords” are some of her favorite pieces at the Old Jail Museum.
America’s 250th anniversary requires the ability to plan.
“What is it going to look like? How are you going to raise the funds to cover the costs? What’s your target audience, how are you going to market it?” she elaborated.
Deciding the “big picture” requires not just planning and coordination, but asking some complicated questions.
“How do we as a museum deal with artificial intelligence? What will be our policy on that?” she said. “So I’ve been researching - what is the
and safe for the blood supply, for you to donate.”
Certain medications, like blood thinners, will make a person ineligible to give blood. Anyone on a course of antibiotics must finish it before donating.
Other medications have waiting periods. For example, oral PrEP and PEP users should wait until three months after
Smithsonian doing, what is the American Alliance of Museums doing?”
Jones believes that while knowledge is important for a museum director, asking questions is just as vital.
“A general curiosity is so important. It’s important not just to get the stuff, but to get the story behind the things,” she said. “When you take historical items and put a story behind them, they’re much more interesting to see.”
Finding ways to engage the public is another essential
their last dose before giving blood. For injectable PrEP or PEP, the waiting period is two years.
Any tattoos or piercings should be fully healed before giving blood.
The blood draw itself is brief - about eight to 10 minutes, after which donors are asked to wait 15 minutes before leaving, just to make sure they aren’t experiencing any adverse side effects. In the meantime, they can enjoy some free snacks and juice to get their blood sugar back up. The Red Cross always has a promotion running with its blood drives - in the month of March, it was $15 gift cards for donors.
Karen Griffith, 77, has been giving blood for 35 years. Now that she’s older, she said her hemoglobin levels are sometimes too low to donate. She makes sure to eat iron-rich foods and take a daily iron supplement two weeks before a blood drive.
Why Do They Do It?
However, it might take
component of her work, and something she finds rewarding.
“Some of my favorite moments in this building,” she said, “are when I’m leading a tour through and someone will look at something and say, ‘Oh, that’s my grandma,’ or ‘That’s where I grew up’ or ‘That’s the school that I went to.’ They make a connection to it, and when that happens, I make a point of saying, ‘That’s our job.’ As a historical society, we preserve these things so that you and generations to come can see them here.”
more than the promise of free apple juice for someone to be willingly stuck with a needle. What brings these longtime donors back for the maximum six whole blood donations per year?
“When I retired as a nurse, that was one thing I felt I could still do,” said Vickie Shuder, 78. Jeff Wilson, 60, said that for him, donating blood is a “way to share Jesus’s love with people.”
“You just lay there and let them stick you. People get scared of the needle but it’s not that bad, and you get a snack afterwards,” Wilson said with a smile.
Lovvorn encouraged potential donors to take the plunge with a succinct wrap-up: “There’s not much you can do that does so much good that only takes 45 minutes.
For more information about eligibility requirements or to find a blood drive near you, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, visit redcross.org or download the Red Cross Donor app.
Warning signs you may need oxygen or sleep apnea testing
By MARLIES WEST
Marketing Representative Goshen Home Medical
Many people live with breathing or sleep problems for months—or even years— before realizing something isn’t right. Symptoms are often blamed on getting older, being out of shape or simply not sleeping well. But sometimes they can signal a medical issue that should be checked by a healthcare provider.
The good news is modern treatment options are smaller, quieter and much easier to use than many people expect.
Signs You May Need Oxygen Testing
Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience:
• Shortness of breath during normal activities
• Feeling unusually tired or weak
• Difficulty walking short distances without stopping
• A chronic cough or frequent lung infections
• Low oxygen readings on a pulse oximeter
Today’s portable oxygen systems are designed to help people stay active. Lightweight portable concentrators—such as those made by Inogen—allow many patients to walk, travel, and spend time with family while receiv-
ing oxygen therapy.
Signs You May Need Sleep Apnea Testing
Sleep apnea is common but often undiagnosed. Warning signs may include:
• Loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Morning headaches
• Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
• Daytime sleepiness or trouble concentrating
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be worth discussing testing with your healthcare provider. Proper diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve sleep, energy levels and overall health.
Local providers like Goshen Home Medical work closely with physicians and patients to provide respiratory equipment, education and ongoing support for oxygen and PAP therapy. Patients also benefit from easy ordering options for supply refills, optional text or email reminders when it’s time to reorder and convenient direct-to-home shipments—making it easier to stay on track with therapy. Recognizing the signs early and getting the right support can make a meaningful difference in long-term health and quality of life.
Cr e a t i v i t y i s Ar t Exhi bi t & Cont est
• Pai nt i ng & Dr awi ng
• Phot ogr aphy
• Qui l t i ng
• Needl ewor k / Sof t Cr af t s
• Har d Cr af t s ( Woodwor ki ng , Cer ami c )
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST Today’s portable oxygen systems are now smaller, quieter and more lightweight, allowing users to continue their active livestyles. Photo provided by Goshen Home Medical.
Get registered to vote in the primary
Not sure if your voter registration is correct - or if you’ve even registered? You have until Monday, April 6, to register to be eligible to vote in the May primary election.
It’s simple and easy to register.
To be eligible, you must be:
• A U.S, citizen
• 18 years old by the time of the general election on Nov. 3.
• A resident of your precinct for at least 30 days prior to the general election
If you aren’t sure what precinct you live in visit
elkhartcounty.com/en/voters/ about-voting/voter-registration/ or .elkhartcounty.com/en/voters/ about-voting/absentee-voting/ for Elkhart County voters. Look for the precinct map tab. Kosciusko County voters should visit Kosciusko.in.gov. Under the “Elections” tab, click precinct maps to view all precincts by township. No party affiliation is required at the time of registration and no one else may register for you. How to register: •In person for Elkhart County
CORPORATE OFFICE
Voter registration is handled at the County Administration Building, 117 N. 2nd St., Goshen. In Kosciusko County voter registration is handled in the County Clerk’s Office, located on the main floor of the Justice Building, main floor.
• Online: Indianavoters.in.gov
•At any BMV branch in the state.
•By mail: Include a photocopy of a driver’s license, BMV ID or a current utility, bank or government document showing your name and current address. For more information contact the Elkhart County Voter Registration office at (574) 535-6775 Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
In Kosciusko County call (574) 372-2332.
Not sure of your voting status? The voter portal at Indianavoters.in.gov allows you to:
• Check your registration status
•Apply for voting by mail
•Request a traveling board
•View voting locations and a list of candidates on the ballot
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EDITORIAL DEADLINES
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $37 for one year; and $64 for two years. (Select one edition.) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt. To order a subscription, call 574-658-4111.
ADVERTISING
For advertising deadlines call your sales representative. The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers. Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. To advertise contact Marla Schroeder at 574-350-4488 or mschroeder@the-papers.com.
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V. MOUNSITHIRAJ GOSHEN
MYRA STEEL MILFORD
“Cash it into ones and roll in it.”
SHANNON STARK WAKARUSA “Bills.”
Spring’s deep breath
By KARLA (KJ) MAPES CEO REAL Services
Spring in the Midwest has a personality. It rarely makes a grand entrance, instead slipping in through the back door and quietly saying, “Hello, I’m back.”
On a sunny day, you may open the windows for the first time in months - immediately changing the house with the smell of fresh air, the sounds of people outside again and birds that seemed to disappear all winter. Then one morning you realize you’ve left the house without your coat.
That small moment always feels like a milestone to me. After a long winter, it takes a little courage to trust the weather again, especially in Indiana. For months we bundle up, brace ourselves and hurry from warm place to warm place. Winter teaches us to protect ourselves and never linger. Spring reminds us we can loosen our grip.
Around this time each year, I notice people returning to public walking trails - some moving briskly, others slower. Dogs take longer sniffs. Neighbors stop to talk. Others pause simply to enjoy the sun on their faces. It feels like the whole community has quietly decided it’s safe to come back outside. Collectively, we seem to take a deeper breath, which is one of the quiet gifts of spring.
As we age, we learn that life has seasons, too. Some seasons feel light and full of energy. Others feel heavier. Loss, health challenges, changes in family relationships and the passage of time can make certain months complicated.
Spring has always been a reflective season for me. April was the month of my mother’s birthday. She’s gone now, but the calendar still remembers. Two of my grandsons celebrate birthdays in the spring, and one shares a birthday with my father, who is also gone. That overlap of generations has always felt like one of life’s quiet mysteries - joyful beginnings alongside the memories we carry. The same date that once marked my father’s life now belongs to a child just beginning his own story.
Life has a way of holding the past and the future in the same space.
Moments like that remind me how life carries different seasons
My textual abnormalities
at once. The older I get, the more I see those patterns - not just in the weather, but in life itself. Some days feel bright with possibility. Others carry the weight of loss or change. Aging has a way of making us more aware of those shifts.
Spring carries its own quiet wisdom. Just when winter has felt long enough, the world begins again - flowers pushing through the soil, longer days returning and, little by little, the world opening back up.
Perhaps that’s why spring feels so meaningful. It holds both memory and possibility, reminding us that life rarely asks us to choose between joy and sadness. More often, it invites us to carry both.
And each year, the world seems to take a deep breath again - exhaling the cold behind us and inhaling the promise of another spring.
NUTSHELL By DICK WOLFSIE
Because I am so forgetful, when I think of something I need to remember and I’m in the car, the first thing I do is send myself a text. I hit the appropriate button on my steering wheel, hear a little chirp and say, “Send a text to Dick.”
Bluetooth: “What do you want to say to Dick?”
Me: “Mail car insurance. Put out garbage.”
Now, I do this several times a day, and it’s pretty effective. As soon as I get home, I check my messages, and there are all the things I would probably forget to do if I hadn’t sent myself a note. I considered this method quite foolproof, but only a fool like me could mess it up.
We have a member of our church whose name is also Dick. I did not have him in my address book until recently. I added his name because I am part of a volunteer group that picks him up at his home on Sunday mornings. He decided at his age to stop driving.
Have you already figured out what happened? Most of the messages I intended to send to myself were going to Dick Guernsey. (He told me
to use his real name because he wanted to see it in print.)
I began to realize there was a problem when I saw Dick at church and he asked why I thought he should pay my HOA fee this month. I thought this was a very odd thing to ask, so I confided in a fellow Unitarian, who told me, “Sometimes people your age, Dick, get a little confused. It’s normal.”
The next day, I got this text message.
Guernsey: “Dick, it’s Dick Guernsey. Why do you want me to call your son?”
Me: “I don’t want you to call my son. I’m not sure what you are talking about.”
Guernsey: “Also, you texted me to buy a jar of artichokes and a pint of milk. I hate artichokes and I’m lactose intolerant. And why are you asking me to buy this stuff for you? You know I don’t drive.”
It still didn’t dawn on me what I had accidentally done.
The next day, Dick called me on his cellphone.
“Dick Wolfsie, this is Dick Guernsey. I’m starting to worry about you. I just got a text from you that says, ‘Don’t forget to call my brother in New York.’ I don’t know your brother in New York. The text also says to make an appointment for an oil change. I don’t have a car. That’s why you pick me up twice a month.”
The next day, I got another text from Guernsey asking why I thought he needed to have his gutters cleaned.
“I don’t have to clean gutters,” he texted. “In fact, I don’t have to do anything at this place except go down for dinner.”
I finally figured out what was happening. I changed my name in my address book to Bubba. Now I say, “Send a text to Bubba.”
If your name is Bubba, there is no chance we can ever be friends.
Kosciusko County Senior Expo & Outreach set
The second annual Kosciusko County Senior Expo & Outreach, an event designed to connect seniors with resources, services and activities to enhance their well-being, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Warsaw Community Church, 1855 S County Farm Road.
Seniors will enjoy informative workshops and a wide range of exhibitors offering products and services for senior living. It’s a day of fun, education and community. For more information, contact the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce at (574) 2676311.
APARTMENT LIVING
MEALS ON WHEELS A Meals on Wheels volunteer is delivering a meal to a local senior resident. Photo provided by REAL Services.
Richard EveringhamKeyboarding, composing and collaborating
By ANIKA YODER Feature Writer
For Richard Everingham, music is a lifestyle. A member of two different bands and a duo, Everingham plays keyboard for each of his ensembles. Born and raised in Goshen, Everingham’s love for music began by being involved in the Goshen Community School’s music program.
Everingham said he was part of multiple music groups in school where his interests were able to expand through graduation. With a background in trombone and music theory, Everingham continued to Indiana University South Bend for a music degree.
“I graduated from Goshen High School in ‘77, and I was always involved in band, and all the different music things that went with that, pep band, jazz band and orchestra,” Everingham said. “And so I had a huge interest in music, even when I was just little. You know, I just loved music and wanted to be involved in it.”
Originally starting with trombone, Everingham said after listening to bands perform on the weekends in his early 20s, he decided to teach himself keyboard.
“When I was younger, 21, 22 years old we used to go out and hear bands all the time on the weekends, and I thought, Man, that looks like fun. I’d like to do that, so I kind of taught myself keyboard,” Everingham said. “And, got good enough to where I could play in bands, you know, just locally, and been doing it ever since, and still doing it.”
At 66, with over five decades in music experience, Everingham credits his middle and high school band director David Plank for encouraging his musical pursuits.
Having attended Goshen
playing he appreciates most. Photo by Anika Yoder.
High School in the mid ‘70s, according to Everingham, Plank launched the first music theory class in the music department.
After seeing Everingham’s affinity for composition and instrumental understanding, Plank encouraged Everingham to take the class and learn more about writing for ensembles.
“He saw how much I loved it, and so he always encouraged me, you know? ... So I was in his first music theory class.
After learning about music writing and how to compose for different parts of a larger ensemble, Everingham said the band went on to play music he wrote.
“So my first songs I wrote two songs in high school. One of them was for the jazz band. He helped me, ... because I was just starting I did it, but he helped me a little bit. And we actually played that song at our concert,” Everingham said.
“When I was in college, I wrote a piece for the entire orchestra. That piece lasted about six minutes from beginning to end. And I think it took me about 180 hours to write that.”
While keyboarding for two different bands as well as a duo, Everingham does not compose for any of them, as they play covers. But having a background in arranging music for several different parts, Everingham said, helps when practicing to be able to identify individual parts and sounds. Now playing in the duo David Zane and Co. as well as the band The Bigger Picture, and one band currently in the “rebuilding phase,” Everingham said he enjoys playing the rock covers, including Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Everingham said although he enjoys performing for people, the audience comes second for him. Being able to play with like-minded musicians is the part of playing
he appreciates the most.
“You know, it’s something I love, something they love, just, you know, being a part of a group like that, where we all share the same interest. And all the groups I’ve been in, that’s definitely one common denominator. It’s just being able to do something I love, that they also love doing. That’s probably the number one thing.
The advice Everingham has for people and especially kids
unsure about finding a niche, is to encourage musical growth and development. Being able to experiment with instruments and music can pay off in the long run, Everingham said.
“Even just as a young kid, music just, it was like, it was internal for me. Music was like, it was who I was. And so that was kind of the natural flow from that. It was just, that’s where my mind and my heart were at, was somehow in music.”
LOVES MUSIC — Richard Everingham plays keyboard for two local bands and a duo. Photo by Anika Yoder.
ON STAGE — Shown is Richard Everingham performing on stage with one of the groups he regulary performes with. For Everingham, performing with like-minded musicians is the part of
70s Flashback -
Richard Hornberger, writing under the nom de plume
By RANDAL C. HILL
Richard Hooker, entertained visions of success as a writer when he penned his novel “M*A*S*H” (Military Army Surgical Hospital), a reflection on his days with the 8055th M*A*S*H unit in Korea. For several frustrating years, he submitted his brainchild to various book publishers, but no one expressed interest.
He took on a writing partner who helped him polish the manuscript. Eventually, William Morrow and Company published “M*A*S*H.” The book bombed, but it was embraced by movie producer Ingo Preminger - Otto’s brother - who bought the movie rights and commissioned Ring Lardner Jr., to come up with a screenplay. The film, which starred Eliot Gould and Donald Sutherland, became box-office gold.
Hollywood power people felt many more dollars could be squeezed out of the “M*A*S*H”
story by offering it as a low-budget television show. After all, start-up costs would be minimal, as the sets and props from the film were still in place nearby in a future state park.
Producer Gene Reynolds asked writing pal Larry Gelbart to give him a script, which took Gelbart a mere two days to whip up a workable outline for the show. Given the green light, Gelbart threw himself into painstaking research, toiling with photocopies of early 1950s issues of Time magazine, as well as keeping a master list of Korean names, a map of Korea and an Army handbook on his cluttered desk.
Most TV scenes were shot at the 20th Century Fox studio in Los Angeles, where the “M*A*S*H” compound measured a mere 45 by 90 feet and consisted primarily of a Korean landscape backdrop behind a rubber floor.
“M*A*S*H” premiered on CBS-TV in September 1972. Ratings were low at first, and reviews ran the gamut from so-so to scathing. But, in a rare moment of insight in a ratings-obsessed business, CBS believed the program could, if given time, build a
decent-sized audience. The series was allowed to struggle through its first season. The gamble paid off when season two ratings skyrocketed and made “M*A*S*H” a must-watch winner.
Everybody involved seemed happy. Everybody, that is, except for Richard Hooker. As an ultraconservative military veteran, he detested the way television star Alan Alda voiced subtle but frequent anti-war statements during his moments on the
The old man waits
By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer
Of necessity, he arrives quite early. He is accustomed to the waiting time. In another world this would be annoying.
But the old man really doesn’t mind. He sits at the stop with a few others like him.
Waiting for the transport van to arrive, To take them to the Veterans Administration clinic.
That in theory, helps keep them alive.
The drive is slow and takes a while,
But again, the old man
doesn’t mind.
He has lots in common with other old vets.
They talk to pass the time.
He was a prisoner in a very big war,
A long, long time ago.
He’s finally started to talk about it.
Better to heal late than not at all.
They finally arrive for one more wait.
All are friends for this short time.
Telling of family and “soft” war stories.
The old man smiles - he doesn’t mind.
(Time will tell but I do like this. My dad would take the VA van to the Fort Wayne VA for treatment. I imagine this poem would have been accurate. Dad’s been gone awhile).
small screen.
The series ended on Feb. 28, 1983, after 11 seasons and 251 episodes. The final show (2 ½ hours long) was watched by an estimated 125 million viewers -back then, more than half the population of America.
M*A*S*H mixed sarcastic humor with the grimness of war. How did Alda and the others in the show approach such a combination?
Alda said, “I think a lot of what attracted people to the whole series was that, even though it was mainly a comedy, we never tried to forget that real people had lived and suffered through stories like the ones we were telling. We wanted to honor that as much as we could.”
And the show did indeed do that.
Bibliography
Books - Javna, John. “MAS*H.” In Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader, 70-71. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1988. Kalter, Suzy. The Complete Book of “MASH.”* New York: Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1985. Internet - “MASH (Movie); MASH (TV Show).” Wikipedia. No author or publication date listed. Reinstein, Mara. “Alan Alda on 50 Years of MASH: ‘We Never Realized How Successful the Show Was.’” Parade, Sept. 2, 2022. This image features Hiester Richard Hornberger Jr. (1924–1997), an American surgeon who wrote under the pseudonym Richard Hooker.
ORIGINAL AUTHOR Richard Hooker and his novel M*A*S*H. Photo from Facebook.
Michiana Senior Talk establishes nonprofit, board of directors
By DENISE FEDOROW Guest Writer
Senior Talk Michiana, the podcast founded by Tom Rose, has formed a nonprofit organization and established a board of directors as of August 2025 to expand its outreach and mission of connecting seniors with local resources, organizations and events throughout the Michiana region.
The newly-formed board is designed to support growth and increase awareness among the area’s estimated 265,000 seniors.
Brock Rose serves as president. In addition to his leadership role, he will provide technical support, assist with marketing efforts, participate in the Wakarusa/Nappanee regional fundraising committee and act as backup podcast host.
Terry Cuzzpcrea serves as vice president and will also contribute to the South Bend/
Granger regional fundraising committee.
Will Stockdale serves as secretary, offering legal assistance and participating in the Warsaw regional fundraising
committee. He is an attorney with Stockdale Elder Law.
Steve Deranek serves as treasurer, providing financial guidance and working with the Goshen regional fundraising committee.
Chloe Paul will coordinate with Aging Connections of Michiana and other senior organizations to promote the podcast, while also serving on marketing and South Bend/ Granger fundraising efforts. She works with Northern Indiana Rehabilitation Hospital.
Denise Fedorow will coordinate outreach to church-based senior groups and contribute articles to the Senior Talk Michiana newsletter. She also serves on marketing and Goshen fundraising committees.
Candi A. Carlson, a community liaison at Caring Cove
Hospice, will serve on the marketing committee, assist with South Bend/Granger fundraising and collaborate with the medical advisor.
Maria Wogomon will represent sponsor interests and support the organization through in-kind contributions and partnership opportunities.
Kristi Preyer will coordinate collaborative efforts between Senior Talk Michiana and The Owls Club, a major sponsor.
Thomas Sweeney will advise the board on medical matters and occasionally appear on the podcast. He is a Navy veteran and has more than 40 years of experience in medicine.
Tom Rose serves as executive director and nonvoting board member. In addition to hosting the podcast, he will participate in marketing
efforts and advise regional fundraising committees while reporting their activities to the board. He is an author, speaker and founder of Senior Talk Michiana.
Rose said the nonprofit structure will help the organization reach its full potential.
“Our goal is to connect with a large percentage of seniors in Michiana, and achieving that will require significant funding,” he said.
Since its launch, Senior Talk Michiana has produced more than 65 podcast episodes and built an audience of about 10,000 seniors, with steady growth as new episodes are released. The organization hopes to expand its reach to 30,000 listeners in the coming months.
More information is available at seniortalkmichiana.org.
Get picky about airplane seats
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Legroom - the distance from the point of one seat to the same point on the seat in front of it - has become a common currency among flyers seeking
the most comfort in the crowded cabin in the sky. Known as seat pitch, it ranges from 28 to 34 inches on U.S. carriers.
Seat width, which ranges from 17 to 18 inches, also is a comfort consideration. Wide-bodied aircraft that are
squeezing in more rows of seats are most likely to have the narrowest economy class seating.
While window seats offer a bit more privacy than an aisle seat and more comfort than a middle seat, it may not have a window at all because not all seating rows line up with the aircraft’s windows.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2026
NEW NONPROFIT Board members of the recently-formed nonprofit, Senior Talk Michiana, gather for a photo with Executive Director Thomas Rose (seated in front).
Pictured in back from left are Steve Deranek, Will Stockdale, Can-
di Carlson, President Brock Rose, Denise Fedorow, Maria Wogomon and Vice President Terry Cuzzocrea. Not pictured: board members Chloe Paul and Kristi Preyer. Photo provided.
Faith According to Valerie Smith, it’s
By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer
Valerie Smith embraces the philosophy of staying busy with purpose and joy. “It’s all about serving others,” she stated. After 20 years of pastoring a local church, Smith moved from the confines of four walls and further into community and international service.
She’s always been involved in the community: as a Big Sister through Big Brothers/Big Sisters, an Elkhart City Police Chaplain for 18 years and her continuing involvement of 24 years with the SPA Women’s Ministry Homes. She joined the staff at the main SPA house this year. She has entered into greater flexibility in this season of her life, recently adding working with Seniors Helping Seniors as needed to her ongoing work with SPA’s faith-based addiction recovery program. She also formed a property management company specializing in renting to travel nurses and medical personnel.
“I founded a ministry based on Psalm 2:8, which says, ‘Ask of Me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the ends of the earth for your legacy. Your domain will stretch to the ends of the
earth.’ ” (TPT.)
Through her ministry, Smith hosts prayer conferences and other events with special speakers, as well as traveling to countries like Kazakhstan and India, meeting spiritual and physical needs. Her favorite India outreach is a faithbased leper colony, where she enjoys loving on those rejected by their community and meeting needs of the colony.
Her other passions include editing, manuscript development and ghostwriting. She has served Tall Pine Publishing since 2018 as a subcontract editor. Projects have included the book on Sandra Bontrager of SPA, detailing the founding of the ministry and Smith’s own book on how to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, titled, “The Language of Heaven” published in 2025 and available on Amazon. As well as hundreds of other projects for well-known ministers as well as unknown authors.
Although raised in the Episcopal Church, Smith received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the age of 29 and has led thousands in receiving this gift mentioned in Mark 16:17. “My ministry to assist people in receiving the Holy Spirit is the most impactful experience
of my Christian faith next to getting saved. It’s given me a hunger for the Word of God that led me to receive my theology degrees and ultimately launched me into full-time ministry,” she said.
Smith attends Maranatha Glory Apostolic Center in Nappanee and is looking forward to hosting her next conference May 29 - 31 with Tammie Southerland, who was featured on Christian
programming after raising her own daughter from a hospital bed through the power of the Holy Spirit after kidney and liver failure. Smith’s passion is helping to equip people to pray powerfully to bring change to their lives and families as well as the nation.
Her life’s verse comes from Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” “It’s
comforting to me to know that God is always working things out for my good. Through the good, the bad and the ugly, He is there giving me His love and support, working things out for my benefit,” she said.
Those interested in contacting Smith for conference registration, speaking engagements, or a book purchase, may email:askofme.psalm2.8@ gmail.com. Smith lives in Elkhart.
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INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY — Valerie Smith, Elkhart, front right, excels in international ministry. She is shown serving those in a leper colony. She reminds those with the disease that Jesus was never afraid of lepers, and neither is she. Photo provided by Valerie Smith.
Chuck Bower stays engaged at the Owls Club
By ANIKA YODER Feature Writer
Located at Trinity on Jackson on the Trinity United Methodist campus, the Owls Club in Elkhart serves as a senior community center for those 55 and above around Elkhart County.
Seniors can join the club to enroll in various activities, including pickleball, volunteering and book clubs.
Chuck Bower, 67, an Owls Club member, has been going to the club for about a year and a half. According to Bower, he heard about the club from friends at his church and he thought he would give it a try. After hearing about some more of the events and activities the club offered, Bower joined with his wife, Karen.
“I had friends going to my church who were bragging about this wonderful author who came and spoke at Owls by the name of Jeffrey Rosen. He had published a book and they were able to attract him to come speak, and there were 80 to 100 people there. And I said, ‘Okay, that’s great, but why didn’t I know about this sooner, and what is the Owls Club?’ And so, I learned a little bit about it. My wife and I joined, and I had been a little curious about pickleball.”
After getting involved in pickleball, Bower said he ended up instructing some classes at the club as well. Along with facilities fitted for pickleball, the
club hosts many other forms of entertainment. Bower said he leads an open play chess group and has also led a bike ride on the Pumpkinvine Trail.
“I lead an open play chess group, but other classes, too, and we do most of our programs at Trinity on Jackson, in Elkhart. But occasionally, there’s a couple different time periods in the year where the church isn’t available to the Owls Club,” Bower said. “So, I’ve led a bike ride. I’m also a biker, and a hiker, so I led a bike ride over the Pumpkinvine Trail. So we had a small group, just go out on the trail, over to Middlebury, and enjoy some, you know, some coffee or ice cream, and then come back.”
Having spent a lot of his life at a desk job, Bower said the sedentary lifestyle after so long had him looking for physical activities, which led him to joining a Planet Fitness after the pandemic lockdown. Having hiked some parts of Europe and also being an avid cyclist, Bower said he enjoys being outdoors, and after working in IT, being in nature is a part of his retirement he appreciates.
“I’m a big hiker, and, and I do a little bit of backpacking, but I’ve done a couple of pilgrimages on the Camino de Santiago in Europe. So, the first one was 12 days, averaging just a little over 14 miles a day. The second one was a shorter one, a seven day one, which I just finished last spring. So, to me you know,
if I had to say my favorite trail, Pumpkinvine, you know, bike, hike, it’s being outdoors,” Bower said. “Again, I spent most of my life sitting in an office. Terrible way to work. I know there’s other terrible ways to work. I shouldn’t say that, I worked in a shipping dock. I worked at a foundry, so I worked before I became more employable and started working in IT. You know, those are the things I did, but it’s just that being outdoors, being in nature, there’s just something so beautiful about that.”
Bower said he gets fulfillment from volunteering and working on classes people enjoy. After his trip to Spain, Bower led an e-bike class to help educate members on the difference between electric and manual bikes and how to decide which to use. Something Bower said he values about the Owls is that there is something for everybody.
“I had an e-bike class just to give people an understanding of the difference between a regular bike and an e-bike, and what
they should look for. I did an overview of Camino de Santiago, so people could make some decisions,” Bower said. “I had a couple people who were interested. I haven’t run into them
again to follow up if they’ve kind of moved ahead with that, but I guess, it’s the variety. There’s something there for everybody. And there’s, you know, lots of things there for me.”
Experience and vision matter
By BRIAN HOLLOMAN, Current Elkhart County Sheriff Deputy and Candidate for Elkhart County Sheriff
My name is Brian Holloman, and I am seeking the Republican nomination for Elkhart County Sheriff in the May 5 primary. I have served our wonderful citizens for more than 31 years as a sheriff’s deputy.
COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY,
Most Experienced Most Community Involved Most Focused
BRIAN’S OPPONENT Most Experienced Most Community Involved Most Focused on Change Member Good Ol’ Boys Club
The various positions, training, and real experience I will bring to the Office of Sheriff make me the most qualified person to take over the agency. I am the only candidate who has worked in three of our four divisions, being the jail, patrol and the detective bureau.
I have run two of our divisions, including the detective bureau and patrol. I am still doing so as the Patrol Division Captain after I was asked to take my leadership and experience to patrol from the detective bureau. My resume and experience are second to none.
I believe in the value of relationships and recognize they take time, effort, commitment and work to develop and grow. Recognizing this, I made my intentions known early into Sheriff Siegel’s second term by filing to be a candidate for Elkhart County Sheriff in March 2023.
Since, I have viewed my efforts as a full-time job interview to demonstrate I am a person committed to the office and our community. When elected, I intend to focus my administration on maintaining fiscal responsibility and working hard to combat turnover; building transparent and open relationships with the community we serve; building better partnerships with the resources in our community to help address substance abuse
and mental health challenges; implementing intelligence-lead policing methods to better address crime and improve safety on our roadways. I ask for a Republican vote for sheriff of Elkhart County on May 5 to ensure this happens.
On a personal note, my wife Sally and I have three adult children. For more information visit www.holloman4sheriff. com or Facebook @Holloman4Sheriff.
Vote for Elkhart County.
ON THE COURT Chuck Bower backhand returns a pickleball at the Owls Club in Elkhart. Photo by Anika Yoder.
BRIAN HOLLOMAN
SPOTLIGHT ON
Free Elkhart County
Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair
Join Aging Connections
Thursday, April 16th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Free Elkhart County Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair. The event will take place at the Elkhart County Community Center, located at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D CR 34, Goshen.
Admission and parking are free. Enjoy complimentary health screenings, immunizations and resources for staying active and healthy; information on Veterans Resources; entertainment; and the chance to win raffle prizes.
Interact with Local Resources
You can speak with over 80 local aging resources on site to help you transition seamlessly through the best phase of life - a “one-stop shopping” experience for our community members looking to connect with valuable local resources. You’ll learn about the various services, programs, and support our community offers. Whether you’re seeking health-related information, legal advice or social services, this event will offer a wealth of knowledge. Come for the resources … stay for the free entertainment.
Aging Connections is excited to offer Free immunizations to the general public at our annual Elkhart County Aging & Wellness Resource Fair. To pre-register for the immunization clinic, use the following link: patients. vaxcare.com/registration When registering, enter the enrollment code IN65942 and select Elkhart Co. Health Fair - 4/16 to complete your registration. Aging Connections looks forward to seeing you there.
“Participating in this event is a wonderful opportunity to build meaningful connections! You’ll meet dedicated professionals, vibrant community members, and organizations all working hand-inhand to support our cherished
aging population,” shared Malana Maher, president and founder of ACOM. “Whether you’re a senior or assisting an older loved one, this event will unveil a range of valuable services you may not yet know about. As the area’s leading resource for aging, Aging Connections is here
to link you with the support you need. We wholeheartedly invite everyone to join us at this free event and discover compassionate professionals ready to help you navigate the continuum of care!”
Founded in 2020, Aging Connections is a nonprofit grassroots cooperative of
individuals and organizations working together to catalyze and promote their work programs. Its programs encompass educational events, business promotion, community and relationship building, and serving our aging population, all for the benefit of one another, other professionals
and our communities. Aging Connections currently serves Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. For additional information regarding Aging Connections or to see updated event information, visit its website: www.agingconnections.org ADVERTORIAL
Affordable Hearing Store
Alick's Home Medical
Alzheimer's and Dementia Services of NI
Sterling
Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana
Angela Wentz Senior Consulting
AseraCare Hospice
Beltone-
Binson's
Brickyard
Caring
Crossroad
Living
Hands In Motion Homecare LLC
Hearing Loss Association of America MC
Heart to Heart Hospice
Hellenic Senior Living of Elkhart
Honoring Choices Indiana-North Central
Hubbard Hill Living Wisdom Community
Indiana Donor Network/Donate Life Indiana
Indiana Parkinson Foundation
Jenny Weldy - Senior Real Estate BHHSNI
Joseph Legacy Planning
Karing Hearts- Home Care
Kenmark Home Care, LLC
Leanne Hankins/Realtor, Cressy & Everett
Mary Kay-Joan Garber
Mosaic Prosthetic Solutions LLC
NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals
New Outlook Home Care of NI
REAL Services, Inc.
Riverview Adult Day Health Center
Saint Joseph PACE
Senior Talk Michiana
Independence | Dignity | Strength
1151 S. Michigan St, South Bend IN 46601 | (574) 233-8205
info@ info@realservices.org
realservices.org Real Services, Inc.
Health Education Classes
REAL Services offers health education classes for older adults at community locations throughout the region. These engaging programs help adults age 60 and older learn practical tips for staying healthy, connect with others, and gain tools that support active, independent living.
One popular program is W.I.S.E. (Wellness Initiative for Senior Education), a six-week workshop that explores healthy aging, lifestyle choices, and how factors like alcohol and medications can affect older adults differently. Participants learn useful strategies while enjoying conversation and connection with others.
The next W.I.S.E. class will be held Mondays, April 13 through May 18 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Public Library – Francis Branch in South Bend. There is no cost to attend, and participants receive a free medication lockbox.
To register, call 574-284-7132.
Join Us for REAL Talk
Free presentations and community connections. Topics target those 60 and older, but everyone is welcome to attend.
Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams
Apr. 8 | 11:30 AM | Portage Commons (574) 284-7189
Apr. 30 | 11:00 AM | OWLS (574) 336-2652
Apr. 28 | 11:30 AM | Salvation Army (574) 284-7189
Mar. 27 | 11:30 AM | 1ROOF (Lunch) (574) 284-7189
Reserve your spot by visiting realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/
Community & Conversations Come Hungry. Leave Connected.
As spring arrives and the days grow brighter, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with neighbors and share a meal together. Join us for Community & Conversations, a relaxed monthly gathering at the Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center, 133 N. William St.
Stop by Thursday, April 9 from 4:00–6:30 PM for a free meal and easy conversation in a welcoming setting. No speeches, no formal program, just good food, friendly faces, and the simple joy of community.
Come for the meal, stay for the conversation, and celebrate the fresh start that spring brings.
Free and open to all. Donations accepted.
Celebrate One Amazing Year at Portage Commons!
Join us for the Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center One-Year Anniversary Open House
Thursday | May 8, 2026 | 3:00-5:00 PM Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center 133 N. William St., South Bend
Come see why Portage Commons has quickly become a vibrant place for older adults to connect, learn, and stay active. Enjoy refreshments, tours of the center, and meet the staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this first year such a success. Everyone is welcome. Come celebrate with us!
For more information, call 574-284-7132
133 N. William St. South Bend, Indiana 46601 | (574) 284-7159 | Mon. - Fri. 10AM - 3PM
Engaging activities designed to support memory, focus, and overall cognitive wellness.
Wed. Apr. 8 | 11:30 AM | REAL Talk: Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams
No one is too smart for a well-engineered scam. Join us for an informative session on recognizing fraud, spotting red flags, and learning practical ways to protect yourself.
Ready, set, paint! Explore beginner-friendly watercolor techniques and unleash your creativity.
Fri. Apr. 24 | 1:00 PM | Sound Therapy
Float into the weekend with calming tones designed to reset your mind and melt away winter stress.
realservices.org/portage-commons/ Portage Commons
Wed. Apr. 8, 15, 22 & 29 | 1:00 PM | Bingocize
Wed. Apr. 8, 15, 22, & 29 | 10:00 AM | Chair Yoga
Fri. Apr. 10, 17, 24 | 11:00 AM | Dominos and Puzzlers
Visit Facebook for Events and Classes: https://www.facebook.com/PortageCommons
Dining/Leisure/Entertainment
Blast to the Past -
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was
Queen
Opera: A dramatic work set to music for singers and instrumentalists.
By RANDAL C. HILL
Bohemian: An artist or musician from about a century ago who defied convention and standards.
Rhapsody: A classical music piece with distinct sections played as one movement.
“I always wanted to do something operatic,” Queen’s charismatic leader Freddie Mercury once said. “I don’t really know anything about opera myself. Just certain pieces. I wanted to
create what I thought Queen could do.” The result became the quartet’s signature song: Mercury’s now-classic offering is a six-minute suite consisting of several sections - an introduction, a ballad segment, an operatic passage, a hard rock part, and a reflective coda - and all structured like Led Zeppelin’s dynamic “Stairway to Heaven.”
While “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a monumental production, many Queen fans ended up scratching their collective heads when it came to trying to interpret Freddie’s mystifying lyrics:
”Mama, just killed a man.
”Put a gun against his head.
“Pulled my trigger, now he’s dead.
“Mama, life had just begun.
“But now I’ve gone and
GREATMOTHER’SDAY
a monumental production
thrown it all away.”
Was he confessing to an actual homicide? When quizzed about the “Rhapsody” lyrics, Mercury declared, “It’s one of those songs which has such a fantasy feel about it. I think people should just listen to it, think about it and then make up their own minds as to what it says to them.”
Mercury - born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania) in 1946 - had just broken up with his long-time love, Mary Austin, after revealing to her that he had fallen in love with a man.
It seems that, in the words of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Queen leader is literally addressing his mother.” She embraced Zoroastrianism, which is intolerant of homosexuality, and her son’s lyrics laid bare the angst he is suffering as he comes out as gay.
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026, 4 PM
LERNER THEATRE, ELKHART, IN SOO HAN, CONN-SELMER ENDOWED MUSIC CONDUCTOR
GUEST SOLOIST: CAITLIN EDWARDS, VIOLIN
He’s “killing” the straight Freddie he has always shown the world.
The quartet’s record label bigwigs balked at the song’s length - just under six minutes - and worried that Top 40 radio would shun the single due to its unorthodox running time. (“Hey Jude” was a minute-anda-half longer.)
Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor, recalled, “They said it was too long and wouldn’t work. We thought, ‘Well, we could cut it, but it wouldn’t make any
sense … You would miss all the different moods of the song.’ So, we said no, it’ll either fly or it won’t.’”
The tune’s length never proved to be a problem. Once “Bohemian Rhapsody”gleaned from the Queen album
“A Night at the Opera” - hit the English airwaves, the record-buying fans made the single a Number One winner there for nine weeks.
In America, the 45 on Elektra Records became the group’s first entry into Billboard’s Hot 100 listing, climbing to the Number Nine spot in 1976 and reaching Number Two on the 1992 chart after it was featured in the teen-oriented film “Wayne’s World.”
Trivia note: On “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Mercury played the same recording-studio grand piano as did Paul McCartney on “Hey Jude.”
Bibliography
Book: Cresswell, Toby. “1001 Songs: The Great Songs of All Time.” (Pp. 208-209) New York: Thunder’s Mouth Press, 2006. Internet: Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen. The first Mercury quote is from here. (No author or date listed) en.wikipedia. org. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. (No author or date listed) songfacts.com. The second Mercury quote is from here. Horton, Matthew. “Queen: 20 Things You Probably Never Knew About ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’” June 24, 2015. nme.com. The Roger Taylor quote is from here.
FORMAL PHOTOSHOOT First formal photoshoot, March 1973, photo by Douglas Puddifoot from queeniofficial.om
A Boomer Blast To The Past
Active and Wellness Resource Fair April 16
By MALANA MAHER
President and Founder Aging Connections of Michiana
Aging Connections will host the free Elkhart County Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the Elkhart County Community Center at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D CR 34, Goshen.
The event will include free immunizations, health screenings and resources focused on
helping individuals stay active and healthy.
Families can pre-register for the immunization clinic at patients.vaxcare.com/registration and use enrollment code IN65942 and selecting “Elkhart Co. Health Fair - 4/16.”
Those who experience issues with registration are encouraged to try a different web browser. Google Chrome is recommended. Paper consent forms will also be available onsite.
Admission and parking are free. Attendees can also explore
information on veterans resources, enjoy entertainment and enter to win raffle prizes.
Connect With Local Resources
More than 80 local organizations will be onsite, offering what organizers describe as a “one-stop” opportunity to connect with services and support. Attendees can learn about programs related to health care, legal assistance and social services, all aimed at supporting individuals through later stages of life.
Guests are encouraged to
Mike Culp for Elkhart County Sheriff
By ANGELA CULP
Wife of Mike Culp,
Candidate for Sheriff
Mike Culp is a wonderful husband and father to our three adult children. He has always provided for us and made sure we were a priority. Mike has a love for this area, and he has lived here his entire life. He has always made himself available to the sheriff’s office and the community. Whether it is phone calls or a knock at the door from a neighbor that needs advice, Mike is always ready to serve others.
Mike has given more than two decades of service to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office. I watched him earn every promotion: corporal, sergeant, captain. Not because he asked for it, but because he worked hard to achieve it.
He commanded the Patrol Division, which is responsible for providing law enforcement services to more than 100,000 people. When the sheriff asked him to take over administrative services, he took that on too: budgets, hiring, training and security. There isn’t an initiative or project at the office that he has turned down.
Mike grew up outside New Paris, went to Fairfield, got
CANDIDATE FOR SHERIFF Shown is Mike Culp, candidate for Elkhart County Sheriff, with his wife, Angela. Photo provided by Angela Culp.
his degree at Ball State, and came right back home. We’ve been married almost 25 years, raised three kids here and go to church here. Mike has volunteered his time with local organizations, especially those his children were involved in. This community isn’t just where he works. It’s where we live.
Sheriff Siegel has known
Mike since he was an intern. He chose to endorse Mike to lead this agency into the future. That says everything.
Mike is the same man at the dinner table that he is in uniform; hard-working, caring and humble; putting others before himself.
I’m asking you to vote for Mike Culp for sheriff in the Republican Primary on May 5.
You’re invited to join Aging Connections for our complimentary health and wellness workshops!
We’re here to support older adults and their caregivers in living life to the fullest. Come and discover how our resources can enhance your well-being!
Speaker: Debbie Carriveau, Executive Director of Dementia Care Services at Hubbard Hill
Speaker: Angela Wentz, Senior Consulting
Topic: Valuable Insights into Dementia & Alzheimer’s April 22nd 3:30-4:45 pm April 1st 3:30-4:45 pm
Location: Hubbard Hill Living Wisdom Community, 28070 CR 24 W, Elkhart, IN 46517
Topic: Navigating Family Dynamics
Location: Tippy Creek Winery, 5920 N. 200 East, Leesburg, IN 46538
explore the resource booths and stay for the entertainment. Founded in 2020, Aging Connections is a nonprofit grassroots cooperative of individuals and organizations working together
to promote community programs. The organization serves northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.
For more information or updates, visit agingconnections.org.
FREE FAIR — Aging Connections will host an Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair Thursday, April 16, at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen. Photo provided.
Local hospice partners with IU South Bend
By ANASTASIA KOUCOUTHAKIS Marketing Liaison and
A partnership between Comfort 1 Hospice and Indiana University South Bend is helping local nursing students gain a deeper understanding of hospice care.
For many families, conversations about hospice can feel difficult or unfamiliar. One goal of the partnership is to help future nurses become more comfortable having those discussions with patients and their loved ones when the time is right.
Hospice care is not about giving up. It focuses on providing comfort, dignity and quality of life during an important stage of care.
Through hands-on clinical experiences, nursing students from IU South Bend observe and learn alongside the interdisciplinary team at Comfort 1 Hospice. Students see firsthand how hospice professionals work together to support patients and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
During their time with the team, students are introduced to the many roles involved in hospice care. They observe registered nurses, chaplains, social workers, volunteer coordinators and bereavement coordinators who provide emotional, spiritual and medical support.
Students also gain insight into behind-the-scenes work that helps hospice organizations serve the community, including office operations, marketing and business development.
While clinical knowledge is essential, hospice education also emphasizes compassion, communication and understanding the human side of health care. By learning early in their careers about the value
of hospice care, students are better prepared to guide families through important health decisions.
Comfort 1 Hospice officials said they are grateful for the opportunity to partner with
IU South Bend in mentoring the next generation of nurses. Together, the organizations are helping shape health care professionals who prioritize comfort, dignity and compassionate care.
Everence workshop helps understand Medicare
By MARIA WOGOMON, CSA Certified Senior Advisor Financial Representative, Everence
Understanding the complexities of Medicare can feel overwhelming, which is why attending an Everence Medicare workshop can make a meaningful difference.
While Original Medicare – Parts A and B – covers roughly 80% of approved medical services, the remaining 20% has no out-of-pocket maximum. For many, this open-ended risk feels unsettling as health needs increase with age. Learning about your Medicare options in a workshop will provide the necessary information to ensure you have the coverage you need when you need it.
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are private insurance plans that work in tandem with Original Medicare to fill in the gaps not covered by Medicare.
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare and is provided by private insurance companies that are required to cover the equivalent of
what Original Medicare covers – generally 80%.
Medicare Supplement Insurance can be used anywhere in the United States that accepts Medicare, offering patients the ability to choose their doctor.
Medicare Advantage plans work with preapproved networks of providers, which can change at any time.
Understanding the differences between Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare
Advantage can build confidence for both you and your loved ones.
Workshops are especially valuable because choosing a Medicare path is a lifelong decision. Your needs at age 65 may not look the same at ages 75 or 85, and understanding your options early helps you prepare for long-term stability. Experienced senior health specialists at Everence provide trusted guidance to help you understand your choices
Aging is your superpower!
and select coverage that supports your well-being for years to come. With Everence, you gain not only a Medicare plan, but a dedicated partner throughout your Medicare journey.
We invite you to join us for our upcoming Medicare educational workshop at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 27, at Everence Financial, 1110 N. Main St., Goshen. Call (574) 537-8773 or visit everence.com/michiana to register.
The strengths of the aging brain
In the last article we discussed the idea of aging as a superpower, and we learned the Baby Boomers and Generation X’ers are resilient and are changing the definition of aging. Our ability to grow and adapt gives us the cognitive flexibility to continue to grow well past our 80’s and 90’s. Our brains develop knowledge and wisdom through each life experience. It is fascinating that our brains get wiser just by living life. This is called crystallization, when we accumulate knowledge throughout our lifetime. Our brains do not decline, they continue to grow, and this is one of your superpowers. This is the strength of our aging brain. As we grow older, our reactions to situations are based on all of our previous experiences. This all happens automatically without any planning.
When you were in your 30s and 40s were there life events that occurred that were challenging and possibly even stressful? During these times, how did you handle the challenge? When I think about this question, it reminds me of the TV show “The Golden Girls.” The character Sophia, a woman in her 80s living with her daughter and her two friends all in their 60s,
By SHARON DUTKOWSKI School of Behavioral Sciences Grace College
will often say, “Picture it ... it was Sicily in the year…” as she references a life event to share some wise advice to the other women. You see, Sophia’s life events created the crystallization in her brain, and she references the experience and what she learned from the experience. When we build off each experience, we learn how to regulate our emotions. What was the event that happened in your 30s or 40s that was a challenge for you? If that same life event happened today, would you react the same way you did back then? For most of us, the answer
would be no. We would handle it differently based on our emotional regulation from out experiences. When my dad was in his early 50’s he would travel for over an hour to go visit his mother on a regular basis. As his mom got older, he became increasingly involved in her care, often completing paperwork for insurance, Medicare and other assistance. I never knew everything he did to support her, nor did I realize the stress it put on him during those years. Now that he is at a different stage in life and I am helping him with similar paperwork, he often shares his memories of supporting his mom. His experience with his mom has made approaching his own needs easier and less stressful. He is a part of the conversations, and I am not stressed or overwhelmed with the process like he was.
What do we do with this superpower of the strength of our brain? I teach a college class on human development throughout the life span. Recent research has shown the younger generations, ages 1830 millennials and Generation Z, want to learn from the older adults. This age group wants to be relational and have conversations and even be mentored by older adults. The next time you are talking with your older children, grandchildren or even the young person taking your order at the coffee shop, be genuine and ask them more than How is your day? Use the strength of your brain and experiences to start a conversation, you never know the impact you may have on the younger generations. We will continue to learn more about the psychology of aging through bi-monthly series of articles. In our next article we will learn about neuroplasticity and how we can strengthen our brain, or how I would like to say it, Flex Our Powers!
Brentwood at Elkhart Assisted Living
3109 E. Bristol Street, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 266-4508
https://brentwoodatelkhartassistedliving.com
Licensed Assisted Living, Physical & Occupational Therapy On-Site, Nurses 24 Hours Per Day, Private Apartments, Respite Care, Activities, Studio/1 BR/2 BR Apaartments, Pet Friendly.
Green Oaks of Goshen
282 Johnston Street, Goshen, IN 46528 (574) 501-5342
marketing@greenoaks-goshen.com
Green Oaks of Goshen provides affordable assisted living, with personalized support, and a safe engaging enviornment promotingindependence and dignity for seniors.
Greencroft Goshen
1225 Greencroft Blvd., Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 537-4000
Greencroft.org/GreencroftGoshen
Comprehensive Care With Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Respite Care, And On-Site/Outpatient Therapy; Medicare/Medicaid Accepted.
Greencroft Middlebury
701 Windridge Drive, Middlebury, IN 46540 (574) 825-6785
Greencroft.org/GreencroftMiddlebury
Assisted Living With Studio And One-Bedroom Apartments, Meals, Housekeeping, Laundry, Daily Assistance, And Priority Access To Greencroft Goshen Healthcare.
Greenleaf Health Campus
1201 East Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 206-0086 • www.GreenleafHS.com
Assisted Living, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: SpeechOccupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Pharmacy On Premises, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Hellenic Senior Living
2528 Bypass Road, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 389-1776
https://elkhart.ahepaseniorliving.org/
Licensed Assisted Living, Medicaid Waiver Accepted, 24 Hour Medical Care, Restaurant Style Dining, Therapy, Private Apartments, Daily Activities, Pet Friendly. Stop In To Tour Today!
Rehabilitation, Healthcare, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Maintenance Free Homes, Licensed, Locally Owned, Non-Profit, Faith Based, Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapies, Memory Care Support Group, Pet Friendly, There’s No Place Like Hubbard Hill
900 Provident Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580 (574) 371-2500 • www.masonhealthandrehab.com
and/or Medicaid
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.
Signature HealthCARE of Bremen
316 Woodies Lane, Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494 • SHCofBremen.com
liaison2.bremen@signaturehealthcarellc.com
Our Gated Community is a smaller, dedicated unit for comfort and safety for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Residents. We offer Enhanced Quality of Life Programming which includes cognitive strengths, life skills, daily movement, power of music, artistic expression, creativity and socialization.
The Waters of Wakarusa-Assisted
Living Facility
303 N. Washington Street, Wakarusa IN 46573 (574) 862-1918
admissions@watersofwakarusaALF.com
Independent/Assisted Living. Private studio/1bed/2bed apartments. Home-like family-oriented environment. Family-style dining. Daily activities. Transportation available. 24-hour care-givers. Pet friendly. Out-patient therapy available. Come for tour today.
Rehabilitation Unit, 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, Pharmacy On Premises, Medicare and/or Medicaid
343 S. Nappanee Street, Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 295-0096 • www.woodlandmanornursingandrehab.com
Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: SpeechOccupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Woodland Manor
Previously Miller’s Senior Living
ADULT DAY CENTER
RIVERVIEW ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTER
2715 E. Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN 46516 (574) 293-6886
www.radhc.org
At our ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTER in ELKHART, we focus on creating meaningful, engaging days for seniors. With personalized care plans, enriching activities, and a friendly, professional team, we’re here to support caregivers and brighten lives!
AGING & WELLNESS RESOURCES
AGING CONNECTIONS
Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI www.agingconnections.org
Trusted Resource Directory: Visit our searchable website to find vetted professionals providing services in your area for aging resources, education, and information. For more details, check our Community Calendar for events and FREE educational meetings. Aging Connections is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization.
REAL SERVICES, INC. 1151 South Michigan Street South Bend, IN 46601 Phone (574) 233-8205
www.realservices.org
Helping seniors and caregivers access meals, transportation, in-home and aging-in-place services, senior programs, healthy aging, guardianship and other aging services.
ALZHEIMERS/DEMENTIA SERVICES
ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA SERVICES OF NORTHERN INDIANA, INC. (ALZNI) 111 Sunnybrook Ct. South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 232-4121
https://alzni.org/
Providing specialized education, support, and resources for caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias including screenings, support groups and programming.
ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE
GREENLEAF LIVING CENTER
1201 E. Beardsley Ave. Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 206-0086
www.greenleafhs.com
“We treat our residents with the same love and dignity that we would expect for our own loved ones. Fulfi lling activities with our Daily Rhythms programming that stimulate the mind and offer socialization.”
MY MOTHER’S HOUSE, LLC
55665 County Road 14 Bristol, IN 46507 (574) 202-7091
mymothershouse2022@gmail.com
We provide a compassionate environment where your loved one will be treated like family in our private care home.
SIGNATURE HealthCARE OF BREMEN
316 Woodies Lane Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494
SHCofBremen.com
liaison2.bremen@signaturehealthcarellc.com
Our Gated Community is a smaller, dedicated unit for comfort and safety for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Residents. We offer Enhanced Quality of Life Programming which includes cognitive strengths, life skills, daily movement, power of music, artistic expression, creativity and socialization.
VIVA SENIOR LIVING AT SOUTH BEND 955 N. Hickory Road Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 314-5369
www.vivaseniorliving.com/southbend A Distinctive Approach to senior living, with personalized care and services Tailored to each resident. Offering Age-In-Place from assisted living to Memory and Respite Care in a secured, safe community requiring individual access codes for guest entry. We honor long-term insurance and veteran discounts.
ASSISTED LIVING
WATERFORD CROSSING 1212 Waterford Circle Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 537-0300
www.waterfordcrossingsl.com
Licensed Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s Unit, Memory Support Unit On Campus, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Daily Activities
CONTINUING CARE COMMUNITY
BRICKYARD ELKHART HEALTH CARE CENTER
1001 W. Hively Ave. Elkhart, IN 46517 (574) 294-7641
brickyardhc.com
Short and long-term care, memory care, respite plus therapy, pain management, pharmacy, audiology and IV therapy. New Dialysis Unit! Call Today!
Goshen
MAJESTIC CARE OF GOSHEN 2400 W. College Avenue Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 533-0351
www.MajesticCare.com/Location/Goshen Memory Care Unit, Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing or Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
HOME CARE SERVICES
COMFORT KEEPERS
6910 N. Main St., Ste. 3, Unit 47 Granger, IN 46530 (574) 277-4121, (574) 327-6123
www.southbendin.comfortkeepers.com
Providing Compassionate Senior Home Care & Home Assistance In Northern Indiana Region. Includes personal care, respite care, transitioning home care and more. Indiana Medicaid, VA Provider, long term insurance and private pay.
HOME INSTEAD
1731 E. Bristol Street
Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 875-7777
www.homeinstead.com/588
Serving Elkhart & Kosciusko counties and surrounding areas. Care they deserve in the home they love.
HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
GOSHEN HOME MEDICAL
Home Medical and Respiratory Equipment 1501 South Main Street Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 533-0626
GoshenHomeMedical.com
5910 Homestead Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (260) 435-3222
stillwater-hospice.org
Helping
SENIORS HELPING SENIORS
Serving St. Joseph, Elkhart and LaGrange counties (574) 385-3900
info@shsnorthernin.com
We provide in-home care services that brighten the lives of seniors. Our mature caregivers, many are seniors themselves, make life easier through compassionate, caring support. VA Provider, Long-Term Care Insurance and Private Pay.
VILLAGE CAREGIVING
2515 N. Bendix Dr., Ste. 201 South Bend, IN 46628 (574) 931-0712
villagecaregiving.com
Nations Largest Privately Owned And Operated Home Care Agency. VA Provider. We Accept A Variety Of Payment Options. Call Today!
HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY
NORACARE
1251 N. Eddy Street, Suite 200 South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 222-5992
info@noracare.us
www.noracare.us
Access experienced health professionals to support your home healthcare needs at affordable rates. We accept long-term care insurance.
Comfort 1 Hospice 118 W. Edison Rd., Suite 200 Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 387-4117
www.Comfort1Hospice.com
Our homegrown team of local health care providers offer comfort and compassion to those with lifelimiting illnesses in our community. We Can Help!
DUNES HOSPICE (888) 602-9004
4711 Evans Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383 1417 N. Michigan Street Plymouth, IN 46563
duneshospicellc.com
A 5 Star hospice. Dunes Hospice has the highest visit frequencies in the area for nurses, CNAs, Social Workers, and Spiritual Counselors. We serve with dignity, honor, and above all, compassion.
PARADIGM HEALTH
3625 Park Place West, Suite 200 Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 332-8320
MyParadigmHealth.com
Honoring life’s journey with expert hospice and pallative care services. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our patients and their families. Exceptional end-of-life care is provided by our valued and empowered team. Hoosiers Caring for Hoosiers.
See Our Ad In
601 E. Bristol Street Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 333-3094
Q. Do I really have to spend all my money to qualify for Medicaid?
A. Many seniors worry that they must give away or spend all of their money before Medicaid will help pay for nursing home care. This is a common belief, but it is not always true.
Medicaid does have financial limits, but it also protects certain types of property. In many cases, a person’s home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid funeral plans do not count against eligibility. For married couples, the law also includes rules designed to protect the spouse who remains at home.
Because Medicaid rules are complicated, people often hear advice from friends, family members, or the internet that is incomplete or incorrect. Acting on this information can lead to costly mistakes.
Problems often arise when people rely on bad or incomplete information. Families
sometimes give money away or transfer property too quickly, believing they have no other choice. These actions can delay Medicaid eligibility and create serious financial problems. Medicaid planning is not about losing everything—it is about knowing which steps help and which ones can cause harm.
Getting reliable guidance before making decisions can help protect both access to care and long-term financial security.
Hearing Healthcare
Q. Do you sell OTC hearing aids?
A. Yes. Our favorite is the Sennheiser All Day Clear, an over-thecounter hearing aid based on Phonak technology. It sells online for $999 a pair and is often on sale for $799.
For the same price, at the Affordable Hearing Store, patients receive a hearing test, try the devices before buying, and get help with fitting, setup, and phone connectivity.
Another advantage is local service. We have Phonak parts in stock and can handle most repairs in the clinic rather than sending them to a service center and waiting for them to be returned. With a
David Keenan
wide range of speaker wires and domes, we can provide a custom fit rather than the standard factory option.
For a small additional fee, we can access the programming and fine tune these OTC hearing aids just like prescription devices. In place of the oneyear warranty you can get it extended to four years. Important since rechargeable batteries rarely last four years. Try them for free. See for yourself how good they sound.
Elkhart - Mishawaka - Laporte - St. Joseph Call 574-387-4215
Voted “Best Hearing Center” 10 times!
Professional Forum
Hospice Care
Q. What makes Comfort 1 Hospice different from other hospice providers?
A. Comfort 1 Hospice is proudly physician-owned, which gives our patients and families a unique advantage when it comes to quality and timeliness of care. Because our leadership includes an actively involved physician, clinical decisions can be made quickly and appropriately without layers of corporate approval or unnecessary delays. This allows us to admit patients faster, adjust care plans promptly, and respond rapidly to changes in condition.
As a small, locally focused hospice, we intentionally keep our patient census manageable so we can provide truly personalized attention. Our team is hands-on, accessible, and deeply connected to the community we serve. Families are never treated like numbers; they are with dignity, respect, and
William Winston RN, BSN, Chief Operating Officer
compassionate guidance during one of life’s most difficult seasons. Our size allows flexibility, faster communication, and continuity of care across homes, facilities, and group settings. At Comfort 1 Hospice, comfort, responsiveness, and physician-led excellence come first every patient, every time. Comfort 1 Hospice is available 24/7, for any questions, or concerns. Lets Talk!
Financial Services
Q. What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and how does it impact me?
A. Once you hit your early 70s, the IRS requires you to start taking distributions each year from most types of retirement accounts. These withdrawals are called Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, and you must take them even if you don’t need the money for expenses.
Generally, you must start taking withdrawals from traditional IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 401(k)s, and 403(b) s when you reach age 73. Roth IRAs are excluded from required RMDs as long as the original owner is still living.
Your RMD amount is based on your age, your life expectancy and the balance
in each of your retirement accounts at the end of the previous year. The IRS provides tables to help determine how much you need to take out, or a financial advisor can calculate this for you. RMD rules and stipulations can be complex, we can help. Connect with an Everence financial consultant to discuss your options at 574-537-8773 or everence.com/michiana.
Servicing St. Joseph|Elkhart|Marshall|Starke|La Porte Counties (P) 574.387.4117| (F) 833.334.0327
Servicing St. Joseph|Elkhart|Marshall|Starke|La Porte Counties (P) 574.387.4117| (F) 833.334.0327 118 W. Edison Rd, Suite 200, Mishawaka, IN. 46545
Servicing St. Joseph|Elkhart|Marshall|Starke|La Porte Counties (P) 574.387.4117| (F) 833.334.0327 118 W. Edison Rd, Suite 200, Mishawaka, IN. 46545
Servicing St. Joseph|Elkhart|Marshall|Starke|La Porte Counties (P) 574.387.4117| (F) 833.334.0327 118 W. Edison
118 W. Edison Rd, Suite 200, Mishawaka, IN. 46545
Your Journey is Our Path www.comfort1hospice.org
Your Journey is Our Path www.comfort1hospice.org
Your Journey is Our Path www.comfort1hospice.org
Your Journey is Our Path www.comfort1hospice.org Servicing St. Joseph|Elkhart|Marshall|Starke|La Porte Counties (P) 574.387.4117| (F)
What’s up for Senior Talk Michiana?
Q. What’s coming
in April?
A. April brings not only showers that nurture May flowers but also two significant events for seniors in Michiana. We invite you to listen to the April episodes of the Senior Talk Michiana podcast.
On the April 6th episode, we welcome Malana Maher from Aging Connections of Michiana, who will provide insights into the upcoming 2026 Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair, scheduled for April 16th at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds.
Our April 14th episode features Brock Rose, the director of the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, sharing details about
the highly anticipated 2026
Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival, taking place from April 24th to 26th. We will again host the Senior Tent, sponsored by Goshen Health and the Owls Club. Join us for Bingo every day and live entertainment every day, including a Comedy Special on Sunday afternoon.
Senior Talk Michiana is sponsored by Everence Financial and the Owls Club. Listeners can easily access the podcast through free subscriptions on platforms such as Spotify, Facebook, and www.seniortalkmichiana.org.
National Volunteer Month
Q. What if one of the best ways to support your health didn’t come from a prescription — but from helping someone else?
A. Research continues to show that volunteering benefits both physical and emotional health. Older adults who stay engaged in their communities often report lower stress, stronger social connections, and a greater sense of purpose. In many ways, helping others can be a simple way to “take your medicine” — supporting well-being while staying connected to the people around you.
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the neighbors who give their time to strengthen
Karla (KJ) Mapes, CEO REAL Services
our communities. For those looking for a meaningful way to get involved, delivering meals through Meals on Wheels is one option. Volunteers share a short part of their day bringing nutritious meals — and a friendly visit — to older adults who may have difficulty shopping or cooking.
To learn more about volunteering with Meals on Wheels, email volunteer@realservices.org or visit realservices.org/get-involved/ volunteer.
1151 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601 574-233-8205 https://realservices.org/
Advertising Opportunities
Q. Isn’t your paper only read by older senior citizens on limited incomes?
A. According to audit statistics, 80% of our readers are under the age of 75. 65% of our readers have a household income of over $50,000 per year. Nearly 40% of these readers earn more than $75,000 per year. Are households with an income larger than $50,000 your target market? If so, consider advertising in Senior Life! Call or send me an e-mail today!
Elkhart & Kosciusko Call Senior Life Newspapers 800-733-4111 Ext. 2319
Senior Relocation
McCulloch:
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. Tim McCulloch, Owner
Tim McCulloch, Owner
By VICTOR BLOCK Guest Writer
I visited President Trump at Mar-a-Lago - sort of.
I could have been driving along any street in the United States. The sun was shining, traffic was light and there was no indication that I was passing through anything other than an ordinary neighborhood.
Suddenly everything changed.
Police cars were everywhere: Slowly patrolling the streets, parked along sidewalks, driving into, and out of, a gated community. Police officers crowded the pavement and spilled out into the narrow road I was following.
Welcome to Mar-a-Lago, a lavish estate with a storied history known today primarily as the home of Donald J. Trump.
That ornate estate was built (1924-1927) for businesswoman and society figure Marjorie Merriweather Post. Nestled on a barrier island in Palm Beach, Fla., it
was acquired in 1985 by then-real estate investor Donald Trump, who used it as his residence.
Ten years later, he converted it into the Mar-a-Lago Club, an exclusive members-only institution with guest rooms, a spa and other hotel-style amenities. When they are there, members of Trump’s family stay in private quarters in a closed-off area of the grounds.
During his first presidency, Trump visited Mar-a-Lago frequently and held meetings there with international leaders like Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese president Xi Jinping.
The name Mar-a-Lago means “sea to lake” in Spanish. The estate extends from one side of Palm Beach Island to the other, touching both the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Worth Lagoon. The property is said to span 126 rooms and extend over an acre and a half.
Post, who died in 1973, willed
the estate to the United States government to serve as a Winter White House for presidents and visiting foreign dignitaries. The property was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1980 because it exemplified “the baronial way of life of the wealthy who built mansions in Florida during the Florida land boom of the 1920s.”
I asked several residents of the area what it’s like to live near such a legendary property which is visited by heads of state, leading political figures and other known dignitaries. The response of most of them was surprising: a big yawn.
“We don’t usually know who’s there,” one young man told me. “All it means for locals is traffic jams,” a 60-something woman explained.
“I voted for Trump but if I’d known how much his being president would mess up traffic here, I would have voted differently,” admitted a well-
dressed gentleman.
For visitors to the Palm Beach area, Mar-a-Lago offers an intriguing diversion from the sun, sand and surf attractions
for which the destination is best known. Worth Avenue, a shopper’s dream, is lined by upscale boutiques, designer stores and art galleries.
Waterfront settings offer a choice of inviting stretches of sand fronting deep blue water. Golfers have a choice of over 100 courses, including six at the PGA National Resort.
History buffs and culture lovers will appreciate Palm Beach’s legacy of luxury and splendor. Must-see spots include the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the historic Breakers Palm Beach hotel and the Society of the Four Arts, which encompasses an art gallery, concert hall and gardens.
Mar-a-Lago adds a unique touch which combines historical tidbits, opulent architecture and a lovely semi-tropical setting.
In addition, if you’re lucky - or unlucky, depending upon your politics - an opportunity to see a motorcade leave or arrive which includes a car transporting the president of the United States.
THE ENTRANCE Entrance gate into Mar-a-Lago. Photo from Boreccy, Dreamstime.com.
THE MAIN BUILDING Mar-a-Lago main building. Photo from Wellesenterprises, Dreamstime.com.
FROM THE WATER Mar-a-Lago waterfront setting with a guard tower. Photo by Victor Block.
Lunchtime Live Kimball Organ Concert at The Lerner
The Lerner Theatre announces Lunchtime Live Kimball Organ Concerts with Celia Weiss. Lunchtime Live is a non-ticketed, free event for the community of Elkhart to enjoy and all proceeds go to benefit the Lerner Volunteer Program. This year, each concert will take place on Wednesdays and begin at 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 20
• Wednesday, Sept. 16
• Wednesday, Dec. 16
The Lerner welcomes an Elkhart favorite, Celia Weiss, back on the Lerner’s 1924 Kimball Organ in this free community series.
Weiss is one of the few musical artists who hold the enviable record of having served as a soloist on two different musical instruments. A pianist and organist well known to local audiences, she has appeared on numerous occasions with the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, the IUSB Philharmonic, the Manchester University Symphony Orchestra and in recitals throughout the area.
Weiss is an adjunct assistant professor of music at IUSB for the Raclin School of the Arts where she teaches organ. She is a past recipient of the IUSB Merit Status and Outstanding Alumni Awards. She holds a B.M.E from Manchester College and a M.M. in Piano from Indiana University. An educator as well as a performer, she has taught music in the Elkhart and Goshen Community Schools and piano at Goshen College. Since 1975 she has
S & S TRAVEL
Motorcoach Tours 1404 E. Lake Bluff Dr. Kendallville, IN 46755
MAY 4: TULIPS BLOOMING
Holland Michigan: Veldheers Tulip Farm, Lunch, Holland Bowl Mill and Windmill Island
MAY 18-22: SPRING IN
BRANSON: Rick McEwen’s Tribute to Kenny Rogers, Shepherd of the Hills Drama w/Cowboy Dinner/Show, Dogwood Canyon Wildlife Tour, Clay Cooper, Duttons, Doug Gabriel, Lamberts
JUNE 1-7: ROUTE 66 ST
LOUIS to OKLAHOMA
CITY: Celebrating 100 Yrs. JUNE 17-22: WISCONSIN
HEARTLAND: Full One day Mississippi River Boat Ride LaCross WI-Red Wing MN, Wisconsin Dells, House on The Rock, Lost Canyon, Circus World, & Much More
JULY 13-15: OHIO HAILS
AMERICA’S 250th: Pres. McKinley Museum, Warther Ivory Ship Carvings, Three America Themed Shows
JULY 22-23: THE GREAT GATSBY, Broadway Show Grand Rapids, MI: Kellogg Manor House w/Lunch, Gilmore Car Museum.
Tour Calendar: Call 888-262-4423
held the position of director of music and organist for the First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart. She is a frequent accompanist for the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra and performs several piano and organ concerts for the Lerner Theatre’s “Lunchtime Live!” each year.
The 1924 Kimball pipe organ located in Elkhart’s Lerner Theatre is one of only two Kimball pipe organs currently installed in their original locations. The organ was restored following the 2011 renovation of the theatre which opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1924. After the restoration, a crew of nearly 20 from Bunn-Minnick Pipe Organs of Columbus, Ohio, spent three weeks hoisting equipment and filling the two pipe chambers with more
than 1,000 pipes. The project absorbed nearly 10,000 manhours for the crew over a year.
Following each Lunchtime Live Kimball Organ Concert, audiences are invited to step behind the curtain and experience the Lerner Theatre in a whole new way with Behind the Curtain: A Guided
Theatre Tour. Held immediately after the concert, these guided tours offer a ook at the theatre’s rich history, stunning architecture, and behind-the-scenes spaces that bring the Lerner’s magic to life. Tours are $10 per person, with tickets available in advance or at the Lerner
Theatre Box Office on the day of the tour. No reservations are required. Proceeds from guided tours directly benefit the Lerner Theatre Volunteer Group Access to certain areas of the theatre is subject to change due to event schedules.
Pickpockets feast on travelers
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Traveling with or moving in and out of a crowd may make you feel safe, but packs of people also hide the cunning who can make off with your wallet or purse.
Oddly enough, Vatican City is reportedly a most dangerous place for visitors
as pickpockets mingle freely with the more than 20,000 pilgrims who visit daily.
In any crowd, women should carry their purse in front of them and men should keep their wallet in a side or front trouser pocket.
Being aware of your surroundings is step number one to protect yourself from these vultures. Don’t look lost
or bewildered and don’t stop passersby to ask for directions. Step into a building - a store, restaurant or museum - and ask a staff member for the information you seek. Stay on the edges of the crowd as you tour the Prado or leave the Louvre. Thieves are more likely to work the muddled middle of the mob.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2026
Comedy fundraiser to benefit Senior Primelife Enrichment Center
A night of laughter for a great cause is coming to the North Webster community at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, as Comedy with a Mission presents a special comedy fundraiser benefiting the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center. The event will take place at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St., North Webster. Admission is
$15, with proceeds helping support the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center’s programs that provide activities, social opportunities and enrichment for local seniors.
The show features a lineup of regional comedians including Mia Albert, Corey Mann and Delmar Birkey, who will bring a clean, high-energy comedy to the stage. The
event promises an afternoon of fun, laughter and community support.
Comedy with a Mission events combine entertainment with charitable giving, raising funds for organizations that serve and strengthen local communities. Community members are encouraged to come out, enjoy a great come-
dy show and help support the important work of the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center.
For more information about the event or Comedy with a Mission, contact Delmar Birkey via email at delbirkey500@gmail.com or call the North Webster Community Center at (574) 834-1600.
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