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Sherry Searles leads Launchpad

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

“I would say from the age of 10, I really just had a connection with young children,” said Launchpad Director Sherry Searles. “I love the way they discover, and I love all those ‘aha’ moments. Everything is like a mystery to them, I feel like it’s such a magical age between zero and five.”

Searles taught first grade and pre-K for much of her career, and operated the early learning program for Warsaw Community Schools. Prior to teaching in public schools, she was the director of a child care center. Searles got a degree in early childhood education in 2000 from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne.

“When I closed up my classroom that year thinking I would be back,” she said.

However, while Launchpad was being formed in 2018, Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert recommended her as director.

The Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, Kosciusko County Community Foundation and United Way came together to creates Launchpad that year in response to a dire need for child care in the area.

“In all of their community meetings, they were hearing housing and child care, shortages of both. And so, they began to strategize about how to try to work on the child care desert we had in Kosciusko County,” Searles explained.

As director, Searles’ day to day is, she said, “working alongside the child care programs in our community, supporting them with whatever their needs are. If they need new books, getting new things for them.”

She forwards the mission of not only increasing child care capacity - Launchpad met its first goal of adding 500 seats within

five years - but making sure that child care is high quality.

In partnership with the YMCA, Launchpad runs the Foundations Academy, which provides onboard training and professional development for early childhood educators. Launchpad funding can pay for conferences or even additional education and degrees.

“The number one thing that a child needs is a healthy connection with the adult that’s caring for them,” Searles emphasized.

Child care has long been a low-paying field, she noted, so many are hired with limited experience or education.

“We want our early educators to think of themselves as professionals. When I do training with them, I tell them, ‘you are an early childhood educator, you’re not a day care worker.’ What they do is so important, and we do events every year to try and elevate those positions.”

Launchpad recently opened the Lilypad Cafe in the Parkview Warsaw YMCA, 1305 Mariners Drive.

The concept of a play cafe is “new to this area,” said Searles. Parents drop their kids off in the staffed play area and must stay onsite, but are free to do remote work, have coffee, or go work out in the Y.

Affordability is also something Launchpad aims to address.

“(Child care) has almost

THE IMPORTANCE

OF EDUCATION

Launchpad

Director Sherry Searles is pictured in her office, reviewing new books for a child care center. Launchpad’s mission is to provide quality child care to Kosciusko County by increasing capacity, training early childhood educators and more.

Photo

by Lilli Dwyer.

doubled in cost in the last several years ... We now have a long waiting list for child care vouchers in Indiana,” Searles mentioned.

Launchpad collaborates with community partners and child care coalitions in an 11-county regions. The region now has a program called Tri-Share, in which employees, employers and a grant each pay for one third of child care costs.

Searles has been in conversation with four different employ-

ers in the area to see if they’d be willing to sign up.

Launchpad’s efforts are sometimes challenged by “changes that are happening at a state level,” Searles said. “... it’s very frustrating and challenging to me because we don’t have the funds to pay for scholarships, so it means that families are probably going to drop out of the workforce ... It’s the state’s lack of understanding that child care is infrastructure, and if you don’t invest in that infrastructure,

people won’t go to work and that effects our economy in many ways.”

However, she does find satisfaction in the changes Launchpad has been able to bring about so far.

“It’s most rewarding when I know we’ve been able to provide resources, like curriculum or training, that just really make a difference for the children. When we help teachers and that in turn helps the children, that feels successful,” she concluded.

Paradigm Health offers compassionate hospice and palliative care for support

In the upcoming weeks, many families will be gathering together for the holidays. These times together are a wonderful opportunity to share stories, make memories and plan for the future.

Conversations about care-

giving aren’t always easy, but they’re vital to ensuring a smooth transition to the changes that come with illness and age.

You may suspect that it’s time for additional support, but feel unsure whether it’s really

the right time. If any of the following rings true for your loved one it may be time to consider how palliative or hospice care can be of support:

• More frequent doctor or hospital visits.

• Increased weakness or fatigue.

• Worsening mobility or needing more help with daily tasks.

• Decreased appetite or taking longer to finish meals.

• Noticeable weight loss.

• Spending more time resting or sleeping.

• Shortness of breath with light activity.

• Difficulty managing pain or other symptoms.

Whether your family is dealing with a chronic illness, a terminal condition or simply a life well lived, palliative and hospice care offer care and relief.

Paradigm Health is nationally recognized for bringing compassion and dignity to palliative and hospice care. It is proud to be serving the community in Elkhart County and the surrounding areas. When you’re ready to take the next step in supporting your loved one, its team is here to talk with you.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (574) 3322280 or visit myparadigmhealth.com.

MAKING HIS ROUNDS — Santa has been busy making his pre-Christmas rounds to see who belongs on the naughty or nice list. He was recently found at Goshen Home Medical checking out one of the many lift recliners on display. Be sure to stop by Goshen Home Medical for its holiday open house on Dec. 3. Photo provided by Goshen Home Medical.

Goshen Home Medical Hosts Holiday Open House on Dec. 3

Goshen Home Medical invites the community to its Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 1501 S. Main St., Goshen.

Celebrate the season with holiday sales, including unbeatable prices on lift chairs, exciting pop-up specials, fun games and giveaways. Many of Goshen Home Medical’s products are covered under HSA/FSA.

Enjoy festive cheer while exploring resource tables featuring:

• Goshen Home Care & Hospice

• Green Oaks of Goshen

• Indiana SHIP, offering free, unbiased Medicare assistance ahead of the enrollment deadline. Guests are encour-

Kurtis Burns

Continued from page 1

not just children but the elderly as well having been hired for residents at Brentwood at Niles in Niles, Mich. Working with compassion is important for a Santa according to Burns, and to make that happen Burns aims for his portrayal to be more Christlike in nature.

“I try to be more Christlike in my Santa, and I say that because it’s about being nice. It’s about just taking your time with something and not always being in a rush. Being a good Santa actually kind of takes over a little bit,” Burns said. “You’re not as quick to make an angry statement at somebody if you look like God.”

Emulating the Santa that adults or parents remember is what Burns aims for in his portrayal as well and hopes people can find something to believe in this holiday season. People have lost a lot of the magic of Christmas, Burns said, and if children can be given some of it back, that is the magical part of the job. Answering difficult questions the children ask can be an emotional roller coaster according, he said, and though it is a sometimes tough job, he does not portray Santa solely for the money. Whether paying visits to locations like the Potawatomi Zoo, or assisting with toy drives, Burns said he wants to be able to allow adults and children alike to relive the magic of Christmas.

“I think the thing I want to

aged to bring their insurance card and medication list for personalized assistance.

Goshen Home Medical offers a wide range of durable medical equipment, respiratory equipment, and products designed to make your home— or your loved one’s—safer. In addition to quality products, services include:

• Certified fitters

• Certified power mobility technicians

• Free delivery within a 50mile radius

• 24-hour emergency service

• Knowledgeable customer service professionals who help you find the right product the first time.

For more information, call (574) 533-0626.

Travel should be fun

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Controlling your travel plan has become more difficult as you deal with the costs and schedules prepared by tour and travel agencies, cruise companies, resorts and airlines.

When you think about visiting the grandkids, take a few moments to see what’s near them. If they live in or close to New York City, you have all the attractions of the Big

Apple at hand – Manhattan museums, Soho shopping, Little Italy restaurants, endless tours.

How about the folks in Arizona? You can hop to the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas, or even drive over to California for a few days.

Should your relatives be tucked away in small town somewhere, check on stops you can make along the way if you drive there.

drive home is, Santa is real,” Burns said. “And he is in each and every one of us, whether

we like it or not. It’s been ingrained in us since we were children.”

SANTIFICATION Preparing to be Santa takes time and effort. For Kurtis Burns, that means starting in late October by bleaching his beard and making sure his Santa suit is ready for the season. Photo provided by Kurtis Burns.

Favorites from before

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

There probably still are 50-year-old things around the house that recall the days of yore. How about that pair of ugly but comfortable Birkenstocks? And that packet of M&Ms tucked into the kitchen cupboard?

A constant reminder of decades past are those big square brown trucks UPS still uses, as is your color television set, which came into its

own in the mid 60s.

Alex Trebek and “Jeopardy” began their amazing run about the same time as “Star Trek” ventured “where no man has gone before.”

The Big Mac and Pop-Tarts emerged back then with a healthier counterpart, Gatorade.

Both James Bond and The Beatles popped into our culture about the same time as the pill, which planted seeds for the later sexual revolution.

CORPORATE OFFICE

What Seniors Think

“One

before ‘85, they said it was warmer here than in Palm

W.J. MIDDLEBURY

Coldest winter? “1978.” Warmest winter? “1990.”

CHRISTINE RESSLER ELKHART

Coldest winter? “Winter of ‘78.”

Warmest winter? “The last couple of years with climate change.”

KIM WOOD SILVER LAKE

“Four years ago, winter was so cold they shut down the airports and my daughter couldn’t come visit us from Seattle.”

GARY DUNCAN GOSHEN

Coldest winter? “Winter of ‘78.”

Warmest winter “The winter I spent in the Philippines.”

“The winter I was 6 years old, right before Christmas break, I was waiting for the bus and it never showed up. My mom had to come and get me. I was so cold, I could barely move.”

Fight off ageism

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EDITORIAL DEADLINES Elkhart/Kosciusko

Joseph

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By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

There’s a tendency for health-care professionals to pass off complaints by old folks as just that - complaints. Medicines and medical treatments and procedures that might be prescribed for younger patients aren’t considered for older patients by many doctors.

There’s the vintage joke about the doctor telling his nonagenarian patient that he should expect his left knee to hurt because it’s 90 years old. The patient then reminds the doc that his right knee is the same age and feels fine.

Seniors who feel their condition is being ignored should tell whoever their dealing to sit down and lis-

ten to how they feel. It might help to schedule an appointment and bring another person with you. They can help you articulate your condition and questions, as well as observe if you’re being treated like a child by your medical team.

If you still feel like you’re being shrugged off, start looking for another doctor.

Rod King passes away

Former Senior Life writer Rod King passed away last month. He died Nov. 5, at Georgetown Place, Fort Wayne. He was 88. He was born on May 2, 1937, in Bowling Green, Ohio. Earned a journalism degree from Ohio University, married his high-school sweetheart, Natalie Koppenhofer, June 26, 1959. They were married for 65 years. She

died May 25. He began his career as associate editor of the General Electric News, worked at Bennington Associates and the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel before embarking on a 32year career in the public affairs department of Indiana Michigan Power. Following retirement, he became a full-time freelance writer for various publications, including

Senior Life, for which he wrote for over 20 years. He is best known for his Great Escapes travel columns.

A celebration of life will be celebrated at a later date. For online condolences, visit harperfuneralhome. com.

LESLIE JOHNSON WARSAW

Spotlight

Mary Jo Cox: The headstone cleaner of Kosciusko County

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

In the milder months of the year, Mary Jo Cox can be seen in the cemeteries of Kosciusko County, gently but diligently scrubbing away at headstones.

Originally from Ohio, Cox moved to Warsaw with her husband, Mike, about 40 years ago. She retired from Zimmer at age 55.

History and genealogy had long been an interest of hers. She joined the Daughters of the American Revolution, with evidence of eight Revolutionary relatives she found by digging through archives as far away as West Virginia and Maryland.

In 2009, her chapter, Mary Penrose Wayne, embarked on a mission to photograph every headstone in Allen County - no small feat with 147 cemeteries across 20 townships. Altogether, it took about five years to gather 165,000 photos and 219,000 transcriptions.

During that time, Cox was offered the opportunity to take a class on headstone cleaning, sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society and taught by John “Walt” Walters, who is still repairing headstones today, including in the Leesburg Cemetery, Cox’s current project.

“As I worked on the (Allen County) project, I saw all the tombstones that you could

barely read, that were not being taken care of with nobody to do it, that’s not a cemetery’s responsibility. That kind of triggered the whole thing,” Cox recalled.

As Cox noted, no one can walk in and clean a grave that doesn’t belong to their family without permission. Her volunteer efforts took off after her husband mentioned her new skill to former Plain Township Trustee Bruce Ferguson.

“He said, ‘would she like to come and work in one of my cemeteries?’ And my husband said, ‘well, it’s free, and she brings her own stuff.’”

“I was thrilled,” she said. She started out in Stony Point Cemetery and since then, has cleaned “hundreds, maybe thousands” of graves in cemeteries from Oakwood to Oswego.

A sharp smell rises from the stones as she scrubs, but there are no chemicals involved. She works only with water and nylon brushes to avoid damaging the stone, and lichens release the piney scent when they get wet.

Cox’s services are most needed in older sections, where the limestone markers have fallen prey to the encroaching elements. Newer stones, she said, are often made of granite with a shiny finish that resists lichen.

She creates extensive

spreadsheets keeping track off all the graves in each cemetery, and archives many of the graves on findagrave.com for family members to find.

Cox describes herself as a “fair weather cleaner,” working in the fall and spring.

“As soon as it starts to get hot, I quit ... those markers absorb the heat, it’s so hot and then you’re standing right next to this little oven,” she chuckled.

After all, she doesn’t do it for money, but for the satisfaction it brings her.

“It’s very fulfilling because, one, I feel like I’m doing something that needs to be done,” she explained. “And secondly, after I’m done, it’s just the self-satisfaction of what you can make those markers look like, that were unreadable. that were covered in lichen or dirt ... and if anybody’s every looking for you, they’re going to be able to find you, because now you can read it.”

Cox also became interested in epitaphs during the Allen County cemetery project and has compiled a book of them, “Tombstone Epitaphs from Allen County, Indiana,” available at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center and the DAR archives in Washington, D.C.

The Mary Penrose Wayne chapter’s archive are available at sites.rootsweb.com/~inallcem/index.html.

Anatomy of a poem

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

It may be born from a mindless thought.

Or perhaps in hearing some random word.

Which might then start a release, of nouns, adjectives and verbs.

But most new things need tending.

Still delicate with the beginning of life.

Yet with some work and tender care,

Those words might turn into rhyme.

A rhyme that is fed with syllables of weight.

As it might struggle to survive.

Cookie Candy Walk planned for Dec. 6

Creekside Church of the Brethren, 60445 CR 113, Elkhart, will host a cookie/ candy walk from 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Proceeds go towards outreach into the community.

To grow and become what it must be, to finally become fully alive.

Physical matter has a birth and a death.

But thoughts and feeling might live on.

So indeed, perhaps it is,

Lower Your Stress Threshold

I look for eternity in my poem. To entertain in some way, shape or form, Perhaps to write of roads not taken.

I’ll tell the tale as real as can be.

It may be stirred, but it won’t be shaken.

NAD+ plays a huge role in cellular energy production and mitochondrial function. When your cells have enough energy, your brain and nervous system don’t stay stuck in fight-or-flight mode. With NAD+, you will see: Less Irritability, Improved Emotional Regulation and Quicker Recovery from Stress Triggers

Essentially your brain has more “fuel” to handle life — the little things your partner did that caused irritation …just don’t any longer. (Shhhh)

Better Neurotransmitter Balance = Calmer Mood

NAD+ supports enzymes that regulate serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine — the brain chemicals tied to mood, motivation, and focus.

That’s why people often describe feeling more even-keeled, grounded, and positive once they start taking it consistently. It’s not a “high”. It’s a steadiness that makes you feel like your best self again.

Cells Create Clean Energy to Improve Clarity

When your mitochondria are producing energy efficiently, you don’t feel as scattered or drained by 2 PM. That naturally increases follow-through due to your brain not rationing energy between priorities.

Those back-burner tasks that usually feel heavy? Suddenly you just do them because your brain has the capacity and clarity to handle them.

Reduce Inflammation for Better Mood and Focus

Inflammation doesn’t just make you puffy. It literally inflames your brain’s communication pathways, making you more reactive, forgetful, and fatigued. NAD+ helps calm that internal fire. You feel lighter, more patient, and mentally organized.

In short: You’re not just in a better mood; your brain and body are finally working together instead of against you. You’re recharged, balanced, and have energy left for your life — and your relationships will feel the ripple effect.

FORMER GLORY Mary Jo Cox is pictured cleaning the headstone of Lois and Daniel Leininger at Leesburg Cemetery. Cox has cleaned hundreds of headstones at cemeteries around Kosciusko County, volunteering her time to restore them. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

Avoid the no-plan death trap

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

You can put off making plans for your final days on earth, but you can’t put off dying.

The point is, if you haven’t made plans for handling your estate and remains, it’s time to begin. The same with instructions on managing your matters when your mind is no longer reliable.

There’s more to end-of-life planning than making a will. Although that’s a good beginning.

Yet, according to a recent report, more than 75% of millennials - the segment of population born between 1981 and 1996 - don’t even have that.

To begin, you can quickly write down a simple statement of who should get what of whatever you’re leaving when

you die. Or you can have a family sit down and talk about your plans.

This should open the door to how you’re going to cope with your final days and who will be delegated to take charge if you become physically or mentally handicapped.

Now that you’re in the planning mode, it’s time to talk with an attorney. A chat with your tax preparer will help, too.

In meeting with you lawyer, you should be thoroughly candid on what you want to do. How should your estate be divided, who should have power of attorney - oh, wait, what’s that?

This is the individual or individuals who will manage your physical and financial affairs when you no longer are capable.

This takes you into another

area: instructions on healthcare and final-days medical treatment and the preparation of a living will.

We seem to be hard-wired with the this-can’t-happen-tome gene, but about half of the folks in their 80s suffer from some form of cognitive impair-

ment, according to medical research.

All through the process, you should be talking with members of your family, especially those who will become surrogates with power of attorney to handle your affairs. If you designate non-family members as executor or other official handler, bring them into the conversation, too.

There are countless cruel tales of greed making monsters out of family members when someone approaches death and after they die.

Cash in on your home

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Everyone’s home is their castle, but for some it can be their bank.

The equity in your domicile has been rising over the years and is like stuffing cash under your mattress. It isn’t doing you any good if you aren’t using it.

There’s a catch here. You don’t want to re-mortgage your house just to pay off credit-card debt or climb aboard a cruise around the world. It makes sense only if you need to bolster your retirement income, or if the property needs repair or can be enhanced to increase its selling price.

Much touted for folks in this frame of mind are reverse mortgage.

Originally designed for cashpoor people, they have hidden costs and clauses that can make you homeless.

Providers of these loans do

the appraisal and let you know how much you can borrow. They proclaim all you have to do is maintain insurance coverage, keep up the maintenance on its condition and appearance, pay the taxes and utility bills, and keep on living in it. If you move out, you repay the loan.

The means, should you or your spouse become debilitated and have to move into a senior-care facility, you have to repay the loan. Which, in most cases, means you won’t have enough money to afford the senior-care living.

A more financially sound and manageable plan is to arrange a home-equity loan. Again, only if you need the money. Augmenting your monthly-living income is a sound reason. Talk with your financial advisor and do the arithmetic to make sure you borrow enough to make the payments on the loan, known as servicing the loan out of the loan.

Or you can arrange for a line of credit to be tapped into only if a cash crunch hits.

If interest rates drop a good chunk lower than your current rate, you might consider refinancing.

Some financial gurus suggest you go for the longest rate, which lowers the monthly payments you have to make. Then, some of them say, you can make a 13th payment every year. This plan calls for making an extra principle-only payment each year, which cuts down both the life of the mortgage and amount of debt you repay.

Compare interest rates. If the percentage between a 30-year mortgage and a 15-year loan is minuscule, take advantage of the longer-term financing. And don’t worry about making extra payments to shorten its life. However, make sure there is no prepayment penalty on any type of loan you obtain.

Keep those credit cards

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Your credit score can be lowered if you cancel any of your unused credit cards.

When you close a card, the amount of unused credit you have drops, which means you’re using a bigger percentage of your unused credit because that limit has been lowered. Lenders use that ratio to determine the credit standing of borrowers.

It’s smarter to use those “unused” cards ever few months or so to keep the issuer from canceling them.

By RANDAL C. HILL

On the day Sylvester Stallone was born in 1946, the doctor on duty clamped forceps on the baby’s emerging head. The result was a severed facial nerve above the infant’s jaw, which gave the left side of his face a permanent droop. Later, young Stallone was taunted by schoolyard bullies who called him “Slant Mouth” and “Mr. Potato Head.”

In 1959, Sly’s life changed when he saw the movie “Hercules Unchained” and was markedly impressed by massive star Steve Reeves, a former Mr. Universe. Stallone then fashioned barbells from a broomstick and two cinder

blocks to build himself up. After a while, the schoolyard bullies fell silent.

Sly earned a D average in high school but after graduation found a college in Switzerland desperate for new students. While there, he acted in a production of “Death of a Salesman” and later said, “I knew then that this is what I was made to do.”

The year 1969 found Stallone back in America. Determined to have a career in the movies, he earned $200 for his first film appearance - a softcore porn release. After a few minor movie roles, he turned to writing. To support himself and his wife, Sasha, Sly took jobs that included theatre usher, nightclub bouncer and fish-head cutter. He also created movie scripts, but nobody showed interest in them.

He developed the Rocky Balboa character after watching a

I believe in Santa Claus

Yes, I believe in Santa Claus. Why? Because I believe in God, he gave us Santa Claus to help celebrate the birth of his son, our savior. So, if you don’t believe in Santa, you must not believe in God. We believe in God because of the wonders of our world and the universe. The sun, moon, stars above us, the mountains, forests, and wonders of nature around us, and he gave us the joy of Christmas and the magic of Santa Claus.

Santa Claus is both illusion and magic: Illusion by the image of the “jolly old elf” in his red suit and white beard, and when he laughs, his belly shakes like a bowl of jelly. Check Google, and you will find thousands of pictures of Santa Claus again, adding credence to the illusion.

Magic is delivered through gifts and the spreading of joy around the world. It has been calculated that to visit the over 1.9 billion children worldwide, Santa would need to travel 3,000 times the speed of sound while carrying 400,000 tons of presents. Well, at one time, we all thought sending pictures through the air (television), traveling to the moon, and cell phones were magic. Santa’s magic (technology) is just a little ahead of our time.

While researching, I asked Google Assistant if Santa Claus was honest. The response, “I believe he’s up to some pretty cool things up at the North Pole this year,” was the reply. This proves he is real because Google has never lied to me. And if you don’t believe Google, check out the book “The Autobiography of Santa Claus” as told to Jeff Guinn, Penguin Books, 1994.

So how can you not believe in Santa Claus when you see the smiles on the children’s faces as

TV match between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner. Ali won, of course, but Stallone was more impressed by Wepner’s dogged determination to last 15 rounds. In time, Sly would channel what he witnessed into the Balboa boxer.

Coping with Grief

By TOM ROSE

they open their gifts on Christmas morning, and the joy on the grandparents’ faces as they watch? Yes, Santa is more than just an illusion. He is magic and I believe.

The Stallones moved to Los Angeles, and there Sly fleshed out a movie script called “Rocky.” With Sasha typing for him, the couple stayed up three days straight as the script gradually took form. Sly offered his brainchild to United Artists, who saw it as a chance to make a film on the cheap but with a handsome Big Name Star - possibly Burt Reynolds or Ryan O’Neal. Stallone, though, was insistent that he play Rocky. When he finally wore the studio honchos down, they signed Sylvester for a paltry $23,000.

In December 1975, he and Sasha took a train to Philadelphia for the shoot. There a van served as both a production office and a changing room for Stallone. The cast and crew stayed in a cheap motel and lived primarily on pasta as they filmed miles of footage.

United Artists held out little hope for “Rocky” to become a box-office winner. They consid-

ered dumping it as a TV movie, especially when some film critics dismissed it at pre-release screenings. (One writer labeled it “a sentimental little slum movie.”)

But ticket-buying audiences embraced “Rocky” with open arms when it was released in

November 1976. In America alone, the blockbuster took in $117 million - about $700 million now. It became the highest grossing film of the year and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards. “Rocky” won three, including as the year’s Best Picture.

Coupons costly

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Unless you’re a black-belt shopper, clipping coupons can only be a means of slicing your budget.

Most coupons are designed to nudge you into buying a new product.

Just ignore them, unless you spot one that’s for something you always use, such as a particular toothpaste or brand of laundry detergent.

Shop coupons just as you would shop items in the supermarket. If you don’t use the product, pass it up.

WAX IMAGE Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in Madame Tussauds’ Hollywood was museum.

Photo from Shutterstock.

Hearing aids cost too much in this day and age

Hearing is vital to your physical and mental health, but most of us who need hearing aids can’t afford them. Here are several options, which will save you thousands of dollars while still getting top quality hearing aids and professional local service.

First, check your health insurance. Most Medicare Advantage Plans and the Medicare/Medicaid Dual Plans include a hearing aid benefit - essentially a huge discount. A cost/co-pay will vary depending on your plan,

but we fit many patients with co-pays, which range from $0 to around $2,000. Most are between $0 and $1,500 for hearing aids that sell locally for around $7,000.

Only a few employer health insurance plans offer hearing aid coverage, but it’s worth a call to check. Those plans typically range from fantastic to pretty darn good.

Costco is the largest retailer of hearing devices in the U.S. It doesn’t accept insurance, but the prices and the service plans are the best you will find. If you live

near a Costco, don’t have an insurance benefit, and don’t mind the crowds, it’s a great option.

Locally, the Affordable Hearing Stores in Elkhart, Mishawaka, LaPorte and St. Joseph, Mich., offer the lowest prices available to the public - the same hearing aids as the competition with expert fitting and service at a 50-60% savings. If you have insurance, they provide more free service than required.

AARP members qualify for substantial discounts through AARP Hearing Solu-

Picture a home inventory

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Having a handy reference should fire, water or burglar disrupt or destroy your home will make it much easier to deal with any agencies involved in recouping damaged or lost property.

Any camera, including your cell phone, can produce a visual record of what you have that you can show police or insur-

ance company what you’ve lost. Start by shooting your yard and the exterior of your home, garage, patio, and all the plants and yardwork equipment, swimming pool, vehicles, tools and “stuff” you have. Everything, including your pets. Then do the same inside the house with every room and every piece of furniture with the drawers closed and opened to show their contents. Don’t forget your liquor cabinet. And

all that’s hanging and stuffed into your closets. If you have some special pieces, you can set them in the middle of the living room floor and shoot them separately.

Whether you’ve shot video or still photos, copy the contents in your computer and onto two or three thumb drives. Store those drives off premises, such as a safety deposit box and with a member of your family.

tions, provided by United Health Care Hearing. Prices range from $1,898 to $3,498 per pair. The private label “Relate” hearing aids, which they offer as “Value Option 1 Gold” at $1,898 a pair and “Value Option 2 Platinum” at $2,498 a pair are an excellent choice for most

patients and are suitable for most levels of hearing loss. It also offers several of the top bands as well, leaving you no reason to pay full price for the latest hearing technology.

If you have questions about which option is best for you, call the Affordable Hearing Store at (574) 387-4215.

Canceled flights call for flexibility

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Get used to the fact that airlines can cancel your flight without reimbursing you - and that you can cancel a flight and not get any reimbursement at all. Frustration with the flying business is mounting and the only way airlines seem to be coping with dissatisfaction is by adding to it. With more than 5,000 commercial airliners in the air at any given moment, the average 3% of flights disruptions means there are 150 fewer aircraft in the mix. That’s a blip for the

airline industry but a massive mix-up for the passengers on the ground.

The hundreds of flights canceled recently by Southwest and American were outward signs of how simply these companies can disrupt a traveler’s life. And as passenger numbers dwindle, airline companies are prone to cancel flights that are not full and debark passengers to other air planes that may or may not be going directly to the customer’s desired destination.

Survival while flying the friendly skies requires staying flexible.

Elder Law

Q: What is the difference between “Pay on Death” (POD) and “Transfer on Death” (TOD)?

A: Indiana law (“Transfer on Death Property Act” I.C. 32-17-14, et. seq.) recognizes non-probate transfers, and the right of designated beneficiaries to receive property of the owner at the death of the owner, where the designated beneficiary survives the death of the owner if the owner properly designated the beneficiary prior to death of the owner. The difference between “Pay on Death” (POD) and “Transfer on Death” (TOD) is mostly semantics because “property” means any present or future interest in real property, intangible personal property, or tangible personal property. The term specifically includes: (A) a right to direct or receive payment of a debt; (B) a right to direct or receive payment of money or other benefits due under a contract, account agreement, deposit agreement, employment contract, or trust or by operation of law; (C)

a right to receive performance remaining due under a contract; (D) a right to receive payment under a promissory note or a debt maintained in a written account record; (E) rights under a certificated or uncertificated security; (F) rights under an instrument evidencing ownership of property issued by a governmental agency; and (G) rights under a document of title ( i.e. a beneficiary designation for the transfer on death of a motor vehicle or a watercraft). As such, the terms are often used interchangeably.

Hearing Healthcare

Q. How much will my Medicare Advantage Plan pay for my hearing aids?

A. Even if you’re told you have a $4,000 benefit, there is no $4,000 going to anyone. Consider the amount of your co-pay, typically between $0 and $2,000, and the quality and suitability of the hearing aids. That’s what matters.

Your insurance company, through a “Third-Party Provider” pays the hearing aid provider a fitting fee, often based on the amount of your co-pay. Unfortunately, this can motivate the salesperson to recommend expensive devices and not even tell you about the best “private label/high value” options that pay lower fees.

We recommend these private label hearing aids often for their outstanding value. Doing what is best for the patient gets us more referrals, and what we lose in low fees, we make up in volume. The key is to find a hearing aid provider who cares more about you than the fees.

We’ve seen multiple cases locally where the patient was entitled to free hearing aids but were told they had a $5,000 co-pay. Buyer beware!

Wondering if you are getting the best deal? Feel free to call me for a free second opinion.

David Keenan

Financial Services

Q. What’s a donor advised fund and what are the benefits of using one?

A. A donor advised fund (DAF) is a simple, flexible way to support the causes you care about. Think of it as a charitable checking account: you contribute cash, stock, or other assets to a sponsoring organization – like Everence Foundation – and then recommend how and when those funds are distributed to your favorite charities.

DAFs are popular due to their many benefits. They’re tax-efficient, providing you with an immediate tax deduction following a contribution, even if you choose to give later. Your contributions can be invested and grow tax-free, increasing your charitable impact over time. And at Everence, you can manage your giving

Todd Holsopple Financial Consultant, Everence® Specializing in Trust and Charitable Accounts

online, track your activity, and adjust your recommendations whenever you like.

Everence can also help you turn complex assets – like real estate, valuable collections, and stocks – into charitable gifts, making it easier to give more than you thought possible.

Learn more about how a DAF can support your values. Call 574-537-8773 or visit everence.com to get started.

1110 N. Main St. Goshen, IN 46528 574-537-8773 michiana@everence.com

Q. What’s up for Senior Talk Michiana in December?

A. The December episodes of Senior Talk Michiana will feature interviews with staff members from Majestic Care of Goshen, a provider of comprehensive rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care services. We will also have guests from Habitat for Humanity and Purdue Health and Human Sciences. We are working on a special episode with Santa Claus, if he can work it into his busy schedule.

As we mentioned last month, Senior Talk Michiana is now designated as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, allowing us to apply for grants and solicit tax-deductible donations. Please consider contributing and sharing this with your friends, enabling us to reach a larger percentage of the 260,000 seniors in Michiana and provide them with

Tom Rose

Author & Speaker Balloon in a Box

Coping with Grief Grief Group Facilitator

information about available services, organizations, and events.

Sponsored by Aging Connections of Michiana, Senior Life Newspapers, and Goshen Home Medical, Senior Talk Michiana is specifically tailored for seniors, offering valuable information on services and organizations in Michiana. Listeners can access the podcast through free subscriptions available on Spotify and www.seniortalkmichiana.org. Episodes are also available at www. thomaslrose.com/senior-talk.

Rose and Rose Associates

Senior Talk Michiana 574-596-6256

www.thomaslrose.com www.cookingtogether.com roseandrose@comcast.net

Professional Forum

Hospice Care

Hospice and the Holidays: Bringing Comfort and Meaning to Patients

The holiday season can be a deeply emotional time for hospice patients and their families. While it often brings memories of joy and togetherness, it can also stir feelings of loss or sadness. Hospice care plays a vital role in helping patients find comfort, peace, and connection during this meaningful time of year. Hospice teams focus on honoring each patient’s traditions and values, creating moments that bring happiness and dignity. Whether it’s arranging a favorite holiday meal, decorating a patient’s room, or facilitating virtual visits with loved ones, hospice staff ensure that patients remain surrounded by love and support. Emotional and spiritual care providers

Tim Bradley, MA, BSN, RN

Executive

Director-Comfort1 Hospice

offer guidance and companionship, helping families cherish meaningful moments together. Through compassionate care, hospice transforms the holidays from a time of uncertainty into an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. By focusing on what truly matters—love, comfort, and presence—hospice helps patients and families create lasting memories that bring peace long after the season ends.

Memory Services

Q. What helps when the holidays feel more stressful than joyful?

A. For many, the holidays bring mixed emotions. Memories of loved ones, financial strain, or the bustle of the season can make this time feel more exhausting than uplifting. The good news is that joy doesn’t always arrive wrapped in tradition—it often grows through connection.

Local senior centers like Portage Commons in South Bend and Owls in Elkhart offer a calm, welcoming place to start. Join for lunch, attend a craft session or class, or stop in for coffee—you’ll find others who know

KJ Mapes CEO Real Services

companionship matters more than perfection. Giving back can also lift your spirits. Programs like Meals on Wheels always need volunteers to deliver meals or check on homebound neighbors. Even a few hours can make a difference—for them and for you. And if the season feels heavier than you can manage alone, reaching out to a counselor or other professional can be an act of strength. Sometimes the surest way to find peace is to help someone else find it too.

118 W. Edison Rd, Suite 200, Mishawaka, IN. 46545

Your Journey is Our Path www.comfort1hospice.org

111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637 574-233-4121

https://alzni.org/

Tom Rose

Dining/Leisure/Entertainment

Blast to the Past! -

‘My Little Town,’ where was this location?

Simon and Garfunkel

It’s humorous to see where “experts” in the music world thought was the location of Simon and Garfunkel’s “My Little Town,” the duo’s final Top 10 Columbia Records single.

By RANDAL C. HILL

Both born in October 1941, Paul and Art began performing during their adolescence as an Everly Brothers-based duo called Tom and Jerry. As juniors at Forest Hills High School in the sprawling New York borough of Queens, they cut a minor chart single called “Hey, Schoolgirl!”

Late in 1965, and using their real names, they scored a winner on Columbia Records with “The Sounds of Silence,” a Number One single that introduced five years of nonstop success before their breakup in 1970.

On Oct. 18, 1975, Paul Simon hosted the second broadcast

of “Saturday Night Live.” In doing so, he brought on his former partner. They sang three songs together, including a new Simon composition called “My Little Town.”

The lyrics conveyed Paul’s often downbeat reflection on things past.

“In my little town I grew up believing

“God keeps his eye on us all

“And He used to lean upon me

“As I pledged allegiance to the wall

“In my little town I never meant nothin’

“I was just my father’s son

“Saving my money, dreaming of glory

“Twitchin’ like a finger on the trigger of a gun

“Really nothing but the dead and dying back in my little town

“Nothing but the dead and dying back in my little town.”

Pretty dreary stuff, huh?

But the fun began when people began to opine exactly where they thought that “little town” was.

In his book “Paul Simon: A Life,” writer Marc Eliot proclaims, “’My Little Town’ is clearly Queens, and all the references to schoolbooks, saluting the flag, and so on appear to be symbols of nostalgia for

the days of Tom and Jerry as much as for the years of Simon and Garfunkel.”

Not so, counters music critic Dave Marsh, the author of “The Heart of Rock and Soul.”

“’My Little Town’ is a portrait of the middle-class Forest Hills, N.Y., neighborhood where Paul and Art grew up.”

Hold on. Art Garfunkel had his own take on the subject. In a Wikipedia article, he insisted the tune was about his childhood, how he grew up where music was not seen as either desirable or exciting, and that his parents insisted that Art acquire an education unrelated to singing. (He earned a BA degree in art history in 1965 and, two years later, an MA in mathematics.)

So where was this “mysterious” burg? Nobody knew until the mid-1980s. In an interview with Bill Flanagan for his book “Written in My Soul: Conversations with Great Songwriters,” Simon admitted, “I was picturing a town. I was thinking about Gloucester, Mass. A friend of mine comes from Gloucester, and he used to talk about what it was like to grow up there … That song was entirely an act of imagination … There’s no element of me in there at all.”

Well, now we all know.

Sleep soundly in the sky

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

A long-dead colleague who had to fly all over the globe purchasing supplies for his company feared flying so intensely, he had to get intoxicated before boarding an airplane. He wouldn’t be allowed on these days. But getting drunk

before cramming your way into a crowded cabin might make it easier to grab some ZZZ’s once you tied yourself down into the seat of a commercial airliner. Unless you’re traveling in first class, and many airlines are doing away with that section, you have to be the size an 8-year-old to find comfort in the sky.

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

(Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, December 15, 2025. Brought To You By

Many long-time travelers have their own secrets for snoozing in flight. Some scrunch themselves into the window seat, pull down the blind and begin counting sheep. Others book a seat at the front bulkhead so there’s no seat in front of them to be tilted back into their laps. Continued on page 11

If it’s autoimmune, it can be anything

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

A recent visit of the blahs, flu, endless fatigue, chills, sweats, and whatever reminded me of what has become one of medicine’s major mysteries - autoimmune disorders.

More than 100 conditions have joined the list since they were first identified a little more than three decades ago.

Among the most common are rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes, lupus and multiple sclerosis. What links these is their root cause: your immune system is battling part of you - your skin, blood vessels, joints, nerves or organs.

In my case, it’s autoimmune hepatitis and my liver is the enemy. It all began to surface a dozen years ago while on a trip to Italy. I began feeling tired and just couldn’t shake loose of that feeling. And it took almost half a year of tests, MRIs, X-rays and biopsies to unearth the cause.

I learned my liver has four major stages: good, not too bad, fatty and it-has-to-be-replaced. Mine was on the cusp of fatty and the final stage. And being autoimmune hepatitis means the doctors have no idea what caused it.

Steroids were prescribed immediately and I began with prednisone tablets. That steroid had to be discarded when they conflicted with the bladder-cancer pills I began taking a few years later.

Azathioprene is the replacement that works at decreasing my immune systems activity. Through all this, I’ve learned I should avoid getting sick.

A few weeks ago, I woke up sweating and with the chills. I felt fatigued, unsteady on my feet and had a cough that was persistent in spells. Was this COVID-19, or the flu, or something else?

206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542

The winner of the I Spy Contest for November is Martha Colvin from Chesterton. The ‘Cozy Blankets’ were located on page 13 in Senior Life Allen; page 1 in Senior Life Northwest; page 15 in Senior Life Elko and page 10 in Senior Life St. Joseph.

I felt like I felt in Italy several years ago so I did what a doctor’s assistant suggested a few years ago. I took a bottle of water out of the fridge, sipped some, turned on the television set, curled up in the big chair, and fell asleep.

“Just baby yourself and wait things out,” she said. And that worked.

I hadn’t been sick for more than nine years and this was a reminder of what can happen. I don’t know how I got sick so we’ll just have to call it the autoimmune under-the-weather ailment.

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL ALBUM COVER. PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

Home Instead debuts ‘Home But Not Alone’

Timed to the 35th anniversary of the iconic holiday film, “Home Alone,” “Home But

Not Alone” reunites audiences with Kevin, now trying to keep his mom safe at home

but realizing that he can’t do it alone.

“Home But Not Alone” pays

Financial plan buys comfortable retirement as you grow old

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Retirement has become a never-never land for many workers as a shifting society is embracing longer working years and remote work from home offices.

But if you’re among the folks who look forward to lolling at an ocean beach, gamboling with grandkids, or developing a second career, retirement is still the time to do all that.

Financial research indicates less than 20% of grownups have devoted time to develop a financial framework for when they grow old.

The current COVID-19 experience is a peek into what you need to enjoy retiring. If all of the mandated shutdowns, work stoppages and erratic stock market weren’t a major shock to your financial position, you can thank your lucky stars or yourself

for having the foresight to prepare for such exigencies.

In fact, if you’re pretty well content with your life, you’ll probably fare well if and when you decide to retire because the first major step necessary for life after work is to balance your income and outgo. This regimen requires foresight, which calls for planning.

If you have your income, spending and savings in tow during your working life, they will keep you comfortable when you leave the workforce.

A never-ending concern is whether or not your money will run out before you die. A crutch by many investors is to maintain a rainy-day fund. That is a cache of cash separate from their main portfolio that can be used in an emergency, such as a medical problem or natural disaster, without bruising their main source of financial support.

An indication of how stable

Sleep soundly

Continued from page 10

But, in the airlines’ race to sardine as many passengers as possible into every flight, leg space has been collapsed, seats are made thinner and narrower, and more rows have been added to cram in more passengers.

You have to tote your own pillow and blanket for comfort for a couple of reasons. Those supplied by the flight attendant aren’t comfortable and, in more and more cases, there’s a charge for them.

If you’re fortunate enough to get normal-sized and polite seat mates, there are a few

things you can do to make it easier to get some sleep on that long flight.

Making life easier in the air begins on the ground. Seat selection is important, especially on long hauls. But pick out a reclining seat, so avoid the row against the rear bulkhead and emergency exit. However, the row facing the emergency exit offers a bit more leg room.

Some seasoned travelers recommend seats in the middle of the cabin to avoid the traffic connected to lavatories and galleys.

Don’t expect a lot of comfort jetting from Los Angeles to

you and your financial planning are is to ask yourself what you would do with a sizable windfall.

For example, what did you do with the stimulus check your received during the pandemic? Or you last tax refund check? Did that money go to pay down credit-card debt or to make additions to your investment portfolio? Or did you go out and buy a new car?

A sign of good planning for both the present and the future is the old familiar phrase: Pay Yourself.

Whenever you receive payment or income of any sort, pay yourself 10% right off the top. That money is funneled immediately and directly into you your investment plan. Watching that account grow will also add inventive to paying more money and attention to your financial future and make retirement a comfortable reality for you.

Mature

San Francisco or Toronto to Montreal but you should shop for seats on coast-to-coast or transoceanic flights.

Before falling asleep, make sure your seat belt is wrapped over your blanket so the flight attendant can see it and won’t have to wake you up if the Fasten Seat Belt sign goes on. And leave the tray table up so you won’t be awakened when they decide to serve breakfast.

Before dozing off, you can tuck some plugs into your ears and slip a comfortable mask over our eyes.

tribute to a holiday classic while touching on a universal truth: knowing when it’s time to get support for a loved one and beginning that important, sometimes difficult, conversation.

It blends nostalgia, humor and heart to spark meaningful conversations about the positive impact staying safely at home can have for aging parents. A grown-up Kevin is worried about his mom living alone. His well-intentioned “solution” - protective plastic wrapping everything in sight - nods to the playful spirit of the film. Old Man Marley’s granddaughter makes an appearance, carrying his shovel and his lesson: fear shouldn’t stop families from having conversations that matter most.

Director Jody Hill states, “It goes beyond holiday nostalgia to connect with McCallister years later as he faces the same concerns many of us have as our parents age. It’s real, it’s funny and it’s

deeply human.”

“When we think about the holidays, we think of families being together and watching classics like ‘Home Alone,’” said Kim Atkinson, chief marketing officer, Home Instead. “Starting conversations about care can be difficult for both aging parents and their children, but it’s the essential first step. This campaign helps families take that step with compassion, humor and hope.”

The spots will air through Jan. 11 during presentations of “Home Alone,” other special holiday programming and college football.

This holiday season, Home Instead is here to help families support their loved ones to stay safe, connected and living independently in their home. Families can worry less, knowing their loved one is cared for, and enjoy more time making meaningful holiday memories together. Discover more at homeinstead.com/ home-but-not-alone.

Join Us for REAL Talk

Free presentations and community connections. Topics target those 60 and older, but everyone is welcome to attend.

Exercise Snacks: Bite-Sized Movements for Healthy Aging

Dec. 10 | 11 AM | Portage Commons (574) 284-7189

Dec. 18 | 11 AM | OWLS (574) 336-2652

Dec. 19 | 11:30 AM | 1ROOF (Lunch) (574) 284-7189

Independence | Dignity | Strength

1151 S. Michigan St, South Bend IN 46601 | (574) 233-8205 realservices.org Real Services, Inc.

info@ info@realservices.org

BINGO + Exercise = BINGOCIZE

COMING TO GOSHEN IN JANUARY

Free 10-week health promotion program for older adults age 60+ that combines Bingo with inclusive exercise.

Learn about important topics while you have fun & exercise! Program may be provided in part by funding through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration through the Older Americans Act.

Thursdays | Jan. 22 - Mar. 26

2026 10:30-11:30 | Goshen Library -Anna M. Shrock Auditorium 601 S 5th St. | Goshen, IN 46526

Workshops focus on one of three subjects:

• Fall Prevention

• Nutrition

• General Exercise

Space is limited for this FREE program. Please pre-register online, by calling (574) 284-7132

Reserve your spot by visiting realservices.org/get-involved/real-talk/

Safe@Home

Stay safe. Stay Comfortable. Stay Independent.

As we get older, a few small fixes can make a big difference in staying safely at home. That’s what Safe@Home, a new program from REAL Services, is all about.

We start with a free Aging in Place Assessment—a friendly home visit to see what would help you feel safer and more comfortable where you live. From grab bars and ramps to small repairs, yard clean-ups, or food support, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs and helps you stay independent longer.

If you’re 60 or older, live in St. Joseph County, and have a limited income, you may qualify.

REAL Services—helping you age well, with dignity and peace of mind.

Call (574) 253-9245 or visit realservices.org to learn more

National Influenza Vaccination Week runs December 6–12 in 2025, and it arrives with a simple reminder: it’s not too late to protect yourself from the flu. And for older adults, that protection can make all the difference. The flu isn’t just uncomfortable — it can lead to serious complications, especially for those managing chronic conditions.

Even though fall is the ideal time to get vaccinated, getting your flu shot in December still offers powerful protection during peak flu season. If you haven’t had yours yet, consider this your friendly nudge. A quick appointment now can help you stay healthy, independent, and doing the things you love all winter long.

Learn more by visiting realservices.org/services/ a2aa/vaccines/

portagecommons@realservices.org

December Highlights at Portage Commons

This month’s conversations at Portage Commons focus on well-being, creativity, and connection — with opportunities to learn, share, and strengthen both mind and spirit.

Thurs. Dec. 4 | 9 AM - 1 PM | Mobile Mammogram Your health matters. The mobile unit makes screenings simple, convenient, and close to home.

Wed. Dec. 10 | 11 AM | Exercise Snacks: Bite-Sized Movements for Healthy Aging Winter can slow us down, but we’re not having it. Join us for practical tips to stay strong, steady, and energized.

Thurs. Dec. 11 | 12:30 PM | WNIT Presents: The American Revolution, Part 1 Settle in for great storytelling and a fresh look at a pivotal moment in history.

Thurs. Dec. 18 | 1 PM | Holiday Party Festive fun, good company, and a cheerful way to wrap up the year. Come celebrate with us!

Visit Facebook for Events and Classes: https://www.facebook.com/PortageCommons

December

realservices.org/portage-commons/ Portage Commons

Missionary, author and speaker recounts her spiritual journey

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“Before I was born, my family fled Germany from the Nazis during World War II,” stated Tanneken Fros, Goshen. “They traveled to Holland where my father joined them, then on to England. They ended up in Paraguay, South America and were taken by horse and wagon to a Mennonite colony under very primitive conditions. While the men cleared land for housing, the women stayed in tent-like structures, consisting of four strong branches and a large blanket.”

Fros writes about her life in the book “Following Jesus, Come What May: The Life Story of Tanneken Fros,” available on Amazon.

“I was born in Paraguay in 1945. Our family moved to England and then migrated back to Germany in 1961. Then in 1963, I saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time when we landed in America, making our way to Connecticut on the East Coast.”

Fros settled into a community of Hutterite Mennonites.

“I’ll always be thankful that I spent my early Christian life with that group of people. The peace-loving community gave me good Christian morals.” However, Fros needed a healing touch from Jesus, also.

“I became depressed after spending 16 years with the Hutterites. I moved away from the Lord and at one period even contemplated taking my own life. My father and I prayed together, and Jesus came into my life in a real way and healed me of my depression.”

Fros graduated from music school in Connecticut and was certified to teach grades 1-12 in music education. “I was proficient in violin, which opened the door for me to teach on the mission field.”

During a prayer meeting in the Hutterite Church, the Lord spoke to her heart. “He said, ‘Follow Me, come what may.’” That’s when the Lord led her out of the Hutterite community.

“I began my mission work by assisting underprivileged children at a daycare facility in Hartford, Conn. I was accosted by three men one day while I was waiting on a bus. But God was watching and sent his angels to deliver me. I saw angel wings as my assailants fled, and I made it safely to the daycare center.”

As she continued to read her Bible, she turned to Isaiah 40:1. “God tells us to comfort his people. And I took his words literally. I took my tax return money and bought a one-way ticket to Israel, where I spent three years teaching music to children with physical challenges at Vesper Hill. I then became a cook at a Teen Challenge Center in Haifa for people coming off drugs.”

It wasn’t until she reached Mozambique in Africa that she realized her full calling. “I spent more than 23 years there, working with orphans. I taught music, crafts and games to kids of all ages. The orphans lived in a grass hut, sending a donkey for our water supply each day. I remember the happy hours we lived as a family doing folk dancing and discussing Bible stories.” Fros also helped build an orphan-

FAMILY Tanneken Fros, Goshen, recalls the 23 years she lived and worked in Mozambique in the African orphanage there. She is pictured surrounded by the orphans, who loved her dearly. Her story is told in the book she wrote titled “Following Jesus, Come What May: The Life Story of Tanneken Fros,” available on Amazon. She’s available as a guest speaker at area churches and community events. Photo provided by Tanneken Fros.

age facility and plant a church there. Her work involved speaking and even preaching from the pulpit.

Fros came back to America in 2020 but is still actively raising funds for the orphanage in Mozambique. Those interest-

ed in having her guest speak can contact her at tscmercy.org or email heyshelbyd@yahoo. com.

I am missing information

My wife has run off with my sister. They were only supposed to vacation together for a little over a week, but when Linda asked Mary Ellen if I could manage alright being alone for so long, Mary Ellen said, “He’ll be fine. I’ll only be gone 10 years.” I assume she meant 10 days. I’d like Dr. Freud to examine that verbal slip.

By DICK WOLFSIE

The truth is that we both have habits that annoy each other after 45 years. But after about a week, I started to miss all the things Mary Ellen does that irk me.

Here are some examples: It bugs me when we go somewhere where we’ve been hundreds of times, like our Unitarian Church, and right before the exit Mary Ellen says, “This is your exit coming up.”

Well, I know this. I’ve driven here every week for 12 years. Well, at least I wasn’t going to

have to hear that directive for two weeks. While she was gone, I missed the exit twice.

I hate it when Mary Ellen lectures me about putting things back on the right shelves in the fridge. She says that if I don’t do that, I won’t be able to find anything next time. I knew once she left that I had full control of storage in our Samsung appliance. That first night, I just threw things back in randomly. I mean, what’s the difference? Yesterday, I ate a hot dog with mayonnaise on it. I know the mustard is in the fridge. But I have no clue where.

Something that really drives me crazy is when she walks into my home office, she always ends up fiddling with something. She straightens the photos on the wall and adjusts the lamp shades. But what really drives me nuts is how she always fixes the slats on my blinds, which are always askew because I often open one just to check the weather. While she was away, I sent her a selfie from my office with the blinds behind me. Yes, she texted back and told me two slats were open. I looked carefully at the photo. I never knew we had a

peeping Tom in our neighborhood.

It also irritates me when she corrects me for using the wrong kitchen towel to wipe something. She’ll say, “That’s for the counter, not to dry dishes,” or “Don’t use that towel to clean the spill on the floor; it’s for pots and pans.” I was relieved when she left, thinking I could use towels however I pleased. But now I miss her sage advice because I realized I shouldn’t use the same towel to dry a dinner plate that I used to check the oil dipstick under the car’s hood.

When Mary Ellen was gone, I watched about 12 baseball games. I was finally free of her persistent question during every sporting event. “Is it over, yet? Dinner is on the table.” Now, I could finally watch the playoff games in peace. But I truly missed her when one playoff game went 15 innings, lasting until 1 a.m.

I knew if Mary Ellen was home, she would have waited up until the final inning, kept the food hot for me, and waited to eat so we could sit together for dinner.

Did you actually believe that for one second?

HAPPY

NUTSHELL

Meals on Wheels volunteers work to end silent nights for seniors

By KARLA (KJ) MAPES REAL Services CEO

For many of us, the holidays bring warmth, family and familiar traditions. But for some of our older neighbors, the season can feel very quiet. A knock at the door from a Meals on Wheels volunteer can change that completely.

Each weekday across northern Indiana, drivers from REAL Services deliver hundreds of freshly-prepared meals - and just as important - a friendly smile and a quick check in. What takes a few minutes for a volunteer can brighten an entire day for a senior living alone.

“Our volunteers are often the only people some clients see all day,” said Crystal Hallwood, Meals on Wheels director. “They deliver nutrition, safety, and kindness - all at once.”

Volunteers often share stories of laughter, friendship and purpose. One driver described it best: “You start out thinking you’re delivering food. Then you realize you’re delivering connection and that’s what really matters.”

Last year, REAL Services’ Meals on Wheels program delivered more than 155,000 meals to 956 older adults in our community. Yet, the demand continues to rise. As food costs climb and more seniors choose to age at home, new routes and volunteers are essential to keeping pace.

Many volunteers say the experience gives back far more than it takes. Retirees, working adults and even college students deliver routes fitting their schedules - some weekly, others once a month. Volunteers can drive solo or with a friend, and each route usually takes about an hour.

“You don’t need special skills,” Hallwood added. “Just a caring heart and the willingness to show up. That’s all it takes to make someone’s day.”

The goal is simple: to make sure no senior has to wait in loneliness or hunger.

Across northern Indiana, the need is clear. One in eight older adults nationwide faces food insecurity and nearly half live alone. Many are unable to shop or cook safely and rising food and housing costs have made even basic nutrition a struggle. For too many, a weekday meal delivery isn’t just nourishment - it’s the difference between independence and isolation.

At REAL Services, we’re working to close that gap. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Meals on Wheels delivers both sustenance and connection, ensuring that seniors across Michiana are seen, cared for and never forgotten. It’s a mission that has guided REAL Services since 1966 - nearly 60 years

of caring hearts and a lasting legacy.

Volunteers are the heart of this program - delivering meals, smiles and connection across the community. To learn how you can help, email volunteer@realservices.org or visit realservices.org/get-involved/ volunteer.

And for those who wish to support Meals on Wheels through giving, visit realservices.org/giving.

Together, we can make sure no neighbor in Michiana faces a silent night.

DELIVERING A MEAL — Last year, REAL Services’ Meals on Wheels program delivered more than 155,000 meals to 956 older adults in the community. Photo provided by REAL Services.

Cruising takes a bit of planning

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

The cruise industry appears to be sailing into more pleasant seas as passenger numbers climb.

A record-breaking more-than 34 million people took cruises last year. Meanwhile, operators of the more than 350 ships cruising in the waters around the world are scrambling to fill their cabins so a bit of shopping may uncover a bargain here and there.

When you book plays a prominent role and there’s a dichotomy here. You can get a good price by booking your voyage far in advance - most travel advisors suggest as much as 18 months before boarding - or you can fish for last-minute offerings made by the ship owners to fill the vessel. When you do book, check on what’s

included and not included in the fare, such frills as the tip or a beverage package.

Don’t set sail during the high and holiday seasons, although there are bargains available for sailing between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The less costly shoulder seasons are spring and fall.

Keep in mind that, depending on where, when and how long the cruise, the dollar difference can range from a few hundred to a few thousand.

There’s also a discount period appropriately named the wave season. It’s the months of January, February and March and, besides lowered fares, cruise lines are known to add such perks as free-drinks packages, which can save you several bucks.

Be flexible with your dates. After deciding on a departure date and length of cruise, check

on the prices for leaving a week earlier or later. Prices can change dramatically in those short periods of time.

If you’re a first-timer, you might look for a short cruise, such as a weekender, to give yourself some idea of what you’d like if you decide to take longer voyages.

You also can save money by sidestepping the port-excursion costs. Instead of paying for group tours, you can visit each port on your own a lot cheaper by taking a taxi or public trans-

portation. If you need a few helpful hints, find a friendly crew member who’s familiar with the stop and get some inside information on what to see and where to eat.

Should you find you’d like to take another cruise, you can save a few bucks by booking it while still aboard ship.

Now that you’re armed with all this information, stop by your friendly travel agent to discuss where and when you’d like to go and for how much.

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

If you still get miffed thinking about your mom telling you to clean up your room, you may want to quit reading right now.

Because it’s never too soon to look around your bedroom for ways to make it more comfortable, as age and disabilities creep into your life.

Dresser drawers can grow stubborn over the years, so you need to grease those skids or get new furniture. High shelves may become unreachable as you grow older - and older.

Getting around your bed, dresser, chair and whatever else you keep there without stubbing your toe is important because much of your life is spent shoe less in that room.

As you grow into your senior years, you might need space to get around it with a walker, wheelchair or some other walking aids such as canes and crutches. And you need space to store these devices without clogging up the area.

It’s also important the bedroom and closet doors are wide enough to enter comfortably with any of the mobility

aids mentioned earlier. Check your bathroom door at the same time.

Thresholds should be level so you can cross them easily without tripping and not be barriers for walkers, wheelchairs and scooters.

The bedroom door should open outward so you won’t block it should you fall.

What’s covering our floor is also important. Slippery material should be replaced. Rugs are both decorative and comfortable but can be hazardous if not fastened to the floor. Even if they are, they can be tripped over as age reduces walking to a shuffle.

Remove unnecessary furniture to make maneuvering much easier and remove furniture corners that can be hazardous if you fall.

Make sure television, lamp, telephone, electrical and any other cords are not stuffed under a carpet or cluttering your pathways.

Lighting is important in any room. A switch should be immediately inside the door and be accessible if standing up or seated in a wheelchair.

Contrasting colors for the light switch, bedspreads and furniture will help you identify what’s what and help avoid

confusion when you’re in your room. This exercise can apply to

the rest of your home as well, but making our bedroom comfortable is a priority because

that’s where you start and end your day.

Don’t shrug off depression

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

It can be depressing just thinking about depression. Well, not exactly, because depression itself is broadly defined as a persistent loss of interest in anything. Which means you don’t do a lot of thinking if you’re depressed. However, you can’t think your way out of depression. You have to act, and you’re first act is to discuss your situation with your primary care physician.

Unending boredom may be a sign of depression but more certain symptoms are feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and self-loathing.

Research reveals that as many as 20% of adults suffer some degree of depression. Those affected most are aged 18 to 30. A close second are the elderly. Women are more likely to be depressed than men.

Losing the day-to-day contact with colleagues at work, the loss of loved ones, having to live alone when a spouse dies, increasing health problems associated with aging, and being moved into a senior-care facility are on the list of events that can dump you into depression.

Attending to grief, adjustments in lifestyle, financial problems, family friction, reactions to many medications, and just plain keeping up with changes in society and the people around you add sufficient stress to get you down.

Unattended to, the situation can lead to suicide. If you can’t see any enjoyment anywhere in your life, you’re probably clinically depressed and you

need medical help.

Many folks don’t get treatment because they’re ashamed to talk about their feelings or they feel they can tough it out.

Talking things out with family and friends can be therapeutic because it helps everyone compare notes on how to handle life’s exigencies.

There are several signs of depression, including sleeping too much or too little, loss of

interest in activities you used to enjoy, feeling guilty, chronic pain or digestive disorders, and difficulty making decisions.

Treatment for severe clinical depression includes talk therapy and antidepressant drugs. Be comforted by the fact that since treatment exists, the medical community is used to handling - and curing - people with depression.

Home work helps to lengthen careers

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Working from home not only saves time by eliminating the commute from home to office and back, it also saves money by eliminating the need to dress up for the office.

And one-third of hiring managers said productivity has increased since their employees began working from home when the pandemic closed things down.

There’s no real sense yet about how much of the work force will keep on working from their bedroom, den, living-room table, garage, studio or whatever as pandemic mandates and restrictions are lifted, but the working world knows things will never be the same.

Some companies already are paying for their employee’s equipment and furniture

being used at home. At the same time, a quarter of home workers surveyed said they’d take a 10% pay cut to keep on working out of their home. While the majority of workers like this practice and its prospects, three-quarters of supervisors and managers want their workers back on site.

Human resources officials report management’s push to have workers get back to the office is simply control. An August survey of 200 executives revealed that they didn’t have faith in much of their staff to be productive workers at home.

Managers said they aren’t able to tutor their employees when they aren’t in the office. While the work-at-home and work-in-the-office factions are still rather shapeless, there are signs that the workers are becoming more flexible and, as a result, independent. Growing numbers of people are starting jobs and then leaving them without ever meeting their colleagues.

This remote approach to work eliminates the emotional attachment to the workplace, where people devote their time to being productive surrounded by colleagues devoted to similar goals. The traditional teamwork approach disappears.

The upside for many workers who flourish by working at home is that they can extend their careers past the traditional retirement age. Employers benefit by retaining these workers’ experience and expertise much longer.

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

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.

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!

Hubbard Hill Retirement Community

28070 CR 24 ., Elkhart, IN 46517 (574) 295-6260 • www.hubbardhill.org

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

Majestic Care of Goshen

Goshen

2400 W. College Avenue, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 533-0351

www.MajesticCare.com/Location/Goshen

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, Medicare and/or Medicaid

900 Provident Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580 (574) 371-2500 • www.masonhealthandrehab.com

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.

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.

Waterford Crossing (Healthcare)

1332 Waterford Crossing Circle, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 534-3920 • www.trilogyhs.com

Waterford Crossing (Assisted Living)

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

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

Inflation is a four-letter word

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

There’s a lot of talk about inflation these days.

No one can pin point its cause nor can they really explain what it means. One generally accepted description is “Too much money chasing too few goods.” An economic term describes it as a general increase in prices and a fall in the purchasing power of money.

However you say it, it still means things cost more than they used to.

We’ve heard about the higher prices of cars, lumber, homes, and everything on the supermarket shelves.

But higher prices alone do not mean we should hyperventilate about inflation. They’re one of the elements that create inflation but the real culprit is the decline of your money’s purchasing power.

Just because the price of air fare goes up because everyone’s going on vacation doesn’t mean we’re being hit by inflation.

Money mavens are interested more in why prices rise. A rainy season can ruin a crop, boosting its price until regular seasonal supply can be resume. Supply-chain breakdowns can cause sudden but short-lived surges in the price of certain products.

Those events are not to be

confused with inflation.

There are those who wail when the Federal Reserve Bank prints more money to meet demand because that lowers the value of currency.

Money supply is important, but so is the demand for money. If you lose confidence in the future of your currency, you’re

likely to seek something else that will maintain its power to purchase what you need and want. Dumping dollars for gold and silver is one common practice, as is buying another country’s currency.

Like so many economic theories and multi-syllabic words, inflation is not easy to define.

When prices rise when consumers change their behavior or supply chains get snarled, that’s not inflation.

But when prices climb because there’s a shift in the supply of and demand for money, that’s when inflation starts to become a problem.

Keep friends close

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Posting photos of family and friends on the refrigerator is a grand reminder of the folks

we love.

Research indicates that sticking a handful of names of people we want to remain connected with on the fridge or near the telephone can also

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!

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.

help us feel less alone.

All it takes to lower your level of loneliness is to make a short call to these folks regularly, probably once a week.

Mature

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

1450 Magnolia Ave. Elkhart, IN 46514 (574) 875-7777

www.homeinstead.com/588

Serving Elkhart & Kosciusko counties and surrounding areas. From companionship to transportation to loving care, to us it’s personal.

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HOME CARE SERVICES

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.

and

HOSPICE

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.

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TABBY CARE, LLC

3404 Troy Ct. South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 323-8879

https://tabbycarellc.com/

Dedicated to providing exceptional home care services that promote a healthy and safe environment while preserving the integrity and livelihood of the individuals we serve. Services offered in Elkhart, Goshen, South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger and surrounding communities. We do accept Medicaid Waiver. Let Us Help You Today.

Upcoming events at the LaGrange Public Library

Here are the events coming up for December 2025 at the LaGrange County Public Library and its branches in Shipshewana and Topeka. For more information and latest updates, go to lagrange.lib. in.us .

Holiday schedule changes for all Lagrange County Public library locations:

Opening at noon: Friday, Dec. 12.

Closed: Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 24-27 for the Christmas holidays.

Closing early: At 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve.

Closed: Thursday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

LaGrange

• Pre-School Story Time (Ages 0-5)

10:30 a.m. Tuesdays.

Theme: Snow. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes with a fun craft or activity.

• Makerspace

Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 2:30-7 p.m.

For ages 5 and up, parents must stay with children 10 and under. Makerspace is a collaborative space where peo-

ple can use a variety of tools and materials to create, learn and share. We will have different building materials and crafting supplies available for use. We will have new special projects every week.

• Culinary Adventure: All I Want for Christmas is Candy and Books

Thursday, Dec. 4

Olympia Candy Kitchen, 136 N. Main St., Goshen. The Nut Shoppe, 204 S. Main St., Goshen Fables Books, 215 S. Main St., Goshen. Meet at Olympia Candy Kitchen at noon. We’ll have lunch at Olympia Candy Kitchen, then explore local candy and book shops in search of holiday gifts and treats - and there might be a stop for hot chocolate along the way. All food purchases at your own expense. Register at the LaGrange Library or by calling (260) 463-2841 x1030 so we’ll know how many to expect. Ages 12 and up.

• Lego Play

2:30-7 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11, 18. Ages 5 and up, parents must

stay with kids 10 and under. Registration not required. Drop in anytime between 2:30-7 p.m. All of our Legos will be out to build anything you want, or attempt to complete the challenges for the month.

• Cookbook Club Special Edition: Cookie Exchange 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The library will be closed on the fourth Saturday of December, so instead of our usual meeting, we’ll have a cookie exchange. Bring 2-3 dozen of your favorite Christmas cookies to share, and an empty container to take goodies home in. Ages 12 and up.

• Teen Games (Grades 6-12)

4-7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. Drop in anytime and stay as long as you can. Play some larger group party type games or settle in for something longer. Feel free to shift to the Pokemon Club at 6 p.m. if interested, or stay playing other games.

• Pokemon Club (Ages 8-18)

6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. Join library staff to have fun playing Pokemon, trading cards, and learning strategies

for improving your game. Bringing cards to trade is optional. Sign up is not required but you can sign up online or call the library to help us know how many are coming.

• Calligraphy with Markers 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. Learn how simple the ancient art of calligraphy can be. With calligraphy markers, there are no ink spills, no smudges and no mess. Join library staff and learn how to draw an italic alphabet. No experience is necessary. All materials will be supplied. Cost is $5, payable at class (exact change is appreciated). Register at the LaGrange library or by calling (260) 463-2841 x1030. Registration ends Tuesday, Dec. 2. Ages 12 and up.

• Second Saturday Book Club Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. Grounded Coffee House, 306 S. Cavin St., Ligonier.

For the December meeting, book club members will meet upstairs at the coffee house to discuss “Lassie Come-Home” by Eric Knight. Lassie is Joe’s prize collie and constant com-

panion. But when Joe’s father loses his job, Lassie must be sold. Three times she escapes from her new owner, and three times she returns home to Joe, until finally she is taken to the remotest part of Scotlandtoo far a journey for any dog to make alone, but Lassie is not just any dog. Copies available at the LaGrange Adult Services Desk. Ages 16 and up.

• Teen Video Games (Grades 6-12)

4-7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22. Join us on the fourth Monday of each month for Nintendo Switch, Wii and VR. Come and go as you are able during this time. We will have snacks and TVs set up to play!

Shipshewana

Pre-School Story Time (Ages 0-5)

1 p.m. Tuesdays.

Theme: Snow. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes with a fun craft or activity.

Topeka

Pre-School Story Time (Ages 0-5)

11 a.m. Wednesdays.

Theme: Snow. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes with a fun craft or activity.

Breakfast with a film legend

By TOM MORROW

Mature Life Features

Most everyone at one time or another has visions or dreams of noshing with someone considered great or a genius. Someone like Churchill, Eisenhower, or even Einstein.

My chance came with an invitation to have breakfast with one of the world’s great film makers - Billy Wilder.

Wilder’s film accomplishments are rivaled by no one.

His list five-decade Hollywood career began when he escaped the Nazis in 1933 and began earning acclaim and Academy Awards as a writer-director for, among others, Greta Garbo’s “Ninotchka,” and “Sunset Boulevard,” “Stalag 17,” “The Lost Weekend,” “Double Indemnity,” “The Apartment,” “The Seven Year Itch,” “Witness for the Prosecution,” “The Spirit of St. Louis,” “Sabrina,” “The Front Page,” and “Some Like it Hot.”

As an executive at the famed Hotel del Coronado where portions of the film were shot

across the bay from San Diego, I put together a 25th anniversary celebration of “Some Like It Hot” starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and the late Marilyn Monroe. It is considered by many to be the greatest comedy put on film.

Everyone connected with that film was invited for a fabulous weekend of fun. Lemmon, Curtis, Wilder and several of the supporting cast showed up.

On the Sunday morning after an evening celebration, I received word that \Wilder wanted to have breakfast with me. I had a brief phone conversation with Lemmon, asking if the invitation was real or simply a polite gesture by Wilder.

“My boy, never pass up a chance to sit at the feet of greatness,” was Lemmon’s response.

We met out on the Promenade Deck on a bright Sunday morning. Wilder was sitting at a table sipping a cup of coffee and smoking a cigar. I had placed a box of expensive cigars in his suite before his arrival Friday

evening. That morning I arrived at the same time as Lemmon, who Wilder also had invited.

We had breakfast and listened to Wilder talking on a number of subjects, including being back at the hotel after 25 years. He recalled how difficult Marilyn had been to work with - how she held up the filming while her two co-stars patiently stood by in high-heels and drag waiting for their next scene with her.

He also talked about art.

Earlier, Lemmon had told me of a night many years earlier when he accompanied Wilder to a private showing at a Beverly Hills art gallery.

“Billy told me to buy a particular painting. I didn’t like it, but he said it would be a good investment, so, I bought it, paying $1,000. I stuck it in a closet when I got home and forgot it. Some years later, the gallery owner called me, asking if I would consider selling it. I smelled a profit.

“Painfully telling the gallery owner how hard I would find in

parting with the painting, he offered me $10,000. I continued to lament the thought of parting it with, but told him I would do so.”

Lemmon shook his head.

“Now how in the hell did Billy know that painting would be such a good investment?”

The money we raised that Saturday night in the hotel’s ballroom went to the San Diego State University’s new film-editing facility. Years later I received a call from a university official to ask if I would get in touch with Wilder and invite him to attend a function at the editing facility.

I still had his home phone number, so I dialed the number and a heavy German accent answered. When I identified myself, asking if he remembered me, the reply was: “Of course, Tom. Say, do you have any more of those great cigars?”

Billy Wilder died March 27, 2002, at the age of 95. Taking his sense of humor to the grave, the epitaph on his tombstone is the final line from “Some Like

FILM LEGEND Billy Wilder visiting the Poll Gallery at Lützowplatz, Berlin, 1989. Wilder was an Academy-Award winning screenwriter and director known for his sharp dialogue and work across a variety of genres, including the films “Some Like It Hot,” “Stalag 17” and “Sunset Boulevard.” Photo from the Poll Gallery Archives, Mature Life Features.

Phoenix embraces desert sprawl

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Unlike its legendary-bird namesake, this sprawling metropolis ranked among the fastest-growing areas in the nation did not reenergize itself by rising out of its own ashes in the burning desert.

More like that pink rabbit in the battery commercial, it just grows and grows and keeps on growing, stretching its shopping centers and sub-divisions over and around every cactus and crevice in the Valley of the Sun.

To get our arms around this urbanized sprawl that has positioned attractions and accommodations as much as two hours apart, we traveled by car, bicycle, horse, light-rail and balloon.

We launched our local exploration by visiting the Arizona Challenger Space Center. Visitors flow seamlessly through scenarios that include space missions complete with emergencies.

Still in up-in-the-air mode, we headed to Deer Valley Airport on the northeastern edge of town for a mile-high 90-minute balloon ride to enhance our perspective of the local growth. If such a diversion doesn’t sound appealing, you can take a quick drive to South Mountain Park where several viewpoints offer panoramic views of this vibrant valley. The best time to head there is the first two weeks of April when rain-fed blooms carpet the mountainside.

For a closer look at those, we took advantage of a mountain-bike tour - others took a more leisurely hike - of Usery Park east of the city. That’s

where we were told that one reason the giant saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert that stretches from Arizona into Mexico, develops “arms” not to denote its age but to balance itself against the relentless wind.

To pick up more easy knowledge, about an hour away is a hands-on complex designed to keep anyone from 8 to 80 entertained for hours on end. While the Challenger facility transports you into learning mode without you realizing it, the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix caters to the touch-and-feel gene in all of us.

Visitors are encouraged to learn first-hand how to build a house, watch heart surgery, test their piloting skills. Its mantra is “If you break it, we’ll fix it.”

There’s much more to this town than desert, of course, and prominent among the valley’s notable resorts is the Phoenician, which is tucked into a fold of local icon Saddleback Mountain with its eye-candy nighttime vistas of the twinkling town lights to the south.

About an hour south in the Gila River Indian Community is the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Resort on the grounds of a casino - the largest of the more than half-dozen casinos in this metro areabuilt by the Pima and Maricopa tribes of Native Americans. A small parasol-protected riverboat putt-putts gamblers on a man-made creek between the hotel lobby and casino lobby. You can tour the facilities via horse-drawn wagon or range farther by heading out from the horseback riding stables.

Hamburger Stroganoff w/ Mushrooms Over Pasta

California Blend Veg.

Dinner Roll/Marg.

Shortbread Cookie

Sausage, Green Bean & Potato Casserole Tomato & Zucchini

SUNSET SONORA SILHOUETTE Saguaro cactus is silhouetted against setting sun in Sonora Desert that surrounds Phoenix. Photo by Cecil Scaglione, Mature Life Features.

DESERTED A retired wagon sits beside a campfire site on the outskirts of Phoenix. Photo by Cecil Scaglione, Mature Life Features.

Scottsdale, where old west meets modern chic

Text and Photos By VICTOR BLOCK Guest Writer

Bejeweled women dressed in the latest fashions stroll into Gucci, Neiman Marcus and Tiffany, intent on adding to their wardrobe and adornments. My wife Fyllis is learning to rope cattle and clean horses’ hooves.

The first impression Fyllis

and I had during our visit to Scottsdale, Ariz., was the diversity of attractions. Shopping alone provides an introduction to the something-for-everyone variety.

World-famous stores are neighbors to specialty shops and boutiques. In the self-proclaimed “West’s Most Western Town,” it’s no surprise to pass places selling cowboy hats,

boots and everything worn between them.

Where there were cowboys there usually were Native Americans, and their influence remains strong. One shop sells Native American art and artifacts created by members of more than 70 tribal nations.

The cowboy flavor also remains, as Fyllis learned while playing the role of a working

cowgirl. Part of her experience included a horseback ride in the Sonoran Desert. That vast wilderness stretches through Arizona, California and northern Mexico, covering an expanse about the size of Colorado.

This is a cactus heaven. The majestic saguaro (pronounced suh-WAHR-oh) can reach 50 feet in height and live as

Crossroad Tours Crossroad Tours

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

Diamond Tours

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

May 17-23, 2026 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard

May 18 - 23, 2026 - Branson show Extravaganza

long as 200 years. That plant grows wild only in the Sonoran Desert.

Other cactus species also find the Sonoran’s conditions inviting. Colorful names like purple prickly pear and teddy-bear cholla add to their appeal.

What appears to be an uninhabitable wasteland in reality is home to some 60 mammals and 350 types of birds. Their survival techniques are among Mother Nature’s intriguing stories.

Many animals sleep in shade during hot days and venture

Continued on page 23

December 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth IL

February 10, 2026 - Hollywood Casino

March 10, 2026 - Grand Victoria Casino

December 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth IL

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

026 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard 2026 - Branson show Extravaganza

May 17-23, 2026 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

February

December 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth IL

April 2026 - Wine Tour

February 10, 2026 - Hollywood Casino

December 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth IL

May 18 - 23, 2026 - Branson show Extravaganza

May 17-23, 2026 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard

026 - Lancaster Show Trip

May 18 - 23, 2026 - Branson show Extravaganza

17-23, 2026 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard

July 23-29, 2026 - New York City & Statue of Liberty

May 18 - 23, 2026 - Branson show Extravaganza

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

18 - 23, 2026 - Branson show Extravaganza

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

026 - New York City & Statue of

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

e 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

July 23-29, 2026 - New York City & Statue of Liberty

September 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada Capital

July 23-29, 2026 - New York City & Statue of Liberty

23-29, 2026 - New York City & Statue of

eptember 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

rty

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

October 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Hoover Dam

September 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada Capital

February 10, 2026 - Hollywood Casino

May 2026 - Tulip Festival

March 10, 2026 - Grand Victoria Casino

February 10, 2026 - Hollywood Casino

April

March 10, 2026 - Grand Victoria Casino

February 10, 2026 - Hollywood Casino

May 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

March 10, 2026 - Grand Victoria Casino

- Wine Tour

April 2026 - Wine Tour

March 10, 2026 - Grand Victoria Casino

April 2026 - Wine Tour

June 2026 - Indy Zoo

May 2026 - Tulip Festival

April 2026 - Wine Tour

May 2026 - Tulip Festival

June 2026 - Dayton Air Show

May 2026 - Tulip Festival

May 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

2-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, ital

ust 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

September 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada Capital

November 7-15, 2026 - Amelia Island, St,. Augustin, FL

2, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las

October 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Hoover Dam

tember 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, ada Capital

October 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Hoover Dam

November 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge & Smoky Mountains

May 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

July 3, 2026 - The Wilds

April 2026 - Wine Tour

May 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

June 2026 - Indy Zoo

September 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada Capital

November 7-15, 2026 - Amelia Island, St,. Augustin, FL

ober 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and over Dam

May 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

June 2026 - Indy Zoo

July 2026 - Peru Circus

May 2026 - Tulip Festival

June 2026 - Indy Zoo

August 2026 - Chicago Air Show

June 2026 - Dayton Air Show

May 2026 - Fort Wayne Zoo

August 2026 - Columbus Zoo

June 2026 - Dayton Air Show

July 3, 2026 - The Wilds

September 2026 - Fair Oaks Farms

July 2026 - Peru Circus

June 2026 - Indy Zoo

July 3, 2026 - The Wilds

September 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

October 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Hoover Dam

July 2026 - Peru Circus

August 2026 - Chicago Air Show

June 2026 - Dayton Air Show

July 2026 - Peru Circus

September 2026 - Wine Tour

August 2026 - Chicago Air Show

August 2026 - Columbus Zoo

August 2026 - Chicago Air Show

July 3, 2026 - The Wilds

August 2026 - Chicago Air Show

September 2026 - Fair Oaks Farms

November 7-15, 2026 - Amelia Island, St,. Augustin, FL

August 2026 - Columbus Zoo

September 2026 - Fair Oaks Farms

November 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge & Smoky Mountains

ember 7-15, 2026 - Amelia Island, St,. Augustin,

September 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

July 2026 - Peru Circus

August 2026 - Columbus Zoo

September 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

September 2026 - Fair Oaks Farms

September 2026 - Wine Tour

August 2026 - Chicago Air Show

September 2026 - Fair Oaks Farms

September 2026 - Wine Tour

November 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge & Smoky Mountains

ember 30 - December 5, 2026 - Pigeon Forge &

September 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

August 2026 - Columbus Zoo

September 2026 - Brookfie

September 2026 - Wine Tour

September 2026 - Fair Oaks Farms

September 2026 - Brookfield Zoo

A SAGUARO CACTUS DWARFS AN ADMIRER.

OUTDOOR SCULPTURE IN SCOTTSDALE.

Scottsdale

Continued from page 22

out on cooler nights. Some survive on water they get from their food. The western banded gecko stashes away sustenance and water in its tail for use when needed.

Some of the desert’s magnificence is captured in sanctuaries and museums. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a mini-wilderness which is home to hundreds of types of plants and animals, and 225 miles of hiking trails.

Five paths meander through the Desert Botanical Garden past its collection of plants from barrens around the world. Each path focuses upon one topic, such as plants of the Sonoran, desert wildflowers and conservation.

Exhibits about how people have lived in the hostile environment include ways in which Native Americans used plants for food and medicine. Fyllis and I checked out the kind of roundhouse they once built, and paused at a grinding stone to pound mesquite beans into flour as they did.

The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park sits atop remains of a village of the Hohokam people, who inhabited the area from about 450 to 1450 AD. They were the first to cultivate the Sonoran Desert, using a system of irrigation ditches. Some of those trenches, and a ball court, still are visible.

Along with museums, Scottsdale’s neighborhoods combine interesting historical tidbits with shopping and recreational opportunities. The center of much action is the Old Town neighborhood.

Located on the original site from which the community expanded, it’s a hub of museums, historic structures, dining and shopping. From cowboy wares to Native American jewelry to brand-name items, any shopper who can’t find ways to spend money there isn’t really trying.

Old Town also is crammed with many of the city’s more than 100 art galleries. Even the streets serve as an outdoor museum, with dozens of works

Holiday travel with a loved one with dementia

By JOE COLLINS AD, QMCP Program Manager Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana Powered by REAL Services, Inc.

including a giant lizard, a metal rider astride a bucking horse and a number of less identifiable abstract sculptures on display.

Very different in atmosphere and appeal are tiny enclaves on the outskirts of Scottsdale. Cave Creek (population about 6,000) was settled in 1870 by miners and ranchers, and served as a stopping point for U.S. Cavalry troops. The town hosts western stores that sell cowboy gear, colorful saloons and periodic rodeos.

While Cave Creek keeps alive vestiges of the Old West, the adjacent village named Carefree represents the present. It was built as a planned community of homes, some now valued at millions of dollars, which line streets with names like Easy, Tranquil, Ho and Hum.

Locals describe this juxtaposition of Old and New West as the “home of cowboys and caviar.”

That same comfortable marriage of old with new, casual with chic is experienced everywhere. It’s common in and around Scottsdale to see men and women wearing jeans and western hats strolling out of shops that would feel comfortable on New York’s Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, laden down with high-end purchases.

Fyllis and I came upon a gourmet hamburger restaurant, where the parking lot often is packed with top-of-the-line automobiles, which locals call “Burgers and Bentleys.” This combination of upscale life with a laid-back attitude adds to the charm and appeal of Scottsdale.

For more information about Scottsdale, log onto experiencescottsdale.com.

The holiday season is a time for togetherness, celebration and creating cherished memories. For families caring for a loved one living with dementia, traveling during this time can be both heartwarming and challenging. With thoughtful planning and compassionate care, holiday travel can still be a joyful experience honoring the spirit of the season.

Planning With Purpose

Holiday travel often involves busy airports, crowded roads, and unpredictable schedules - all of which can be overwhelming for someone living with dementia. To ease the journey, choose destinations, which are familiar or emotionally significant. Visiting close family or returning to a beloved childhood home can offer comfort and reduce confusion.

When booking travel, opt for direct routes and avoid layovers or long waits. If flying, notify the airline in advance about your loved one’s condition so they can offer assistance; many airports offer assistance through the Sunflower program. If driving, plan frequent breaks and keep the environment calm and quiet.

Pack With Care

Bring familiar items which provide comfort and continuity, such as a favorite blanket, holiday music, or family photos. These can help soothe anxiety and offer a sense of stability. Don’t forget medications, medical documents and a list of emergency contacts.

Consider packing a small holiday-themed activity kit: simple crafts, festive snacks, or a photo album of past holidays. These can spark joy and connection during downtime.

Maintain Routines

Dementia thrives on routine, and the holidays often disrupt

it. Try to preserve daily habits as much as possible - regular meal times, sleep schedules, and quiet moments. If attending gatherings, keep them short and low key. Loud parties or unfamiliar faces may cause distress.

Let your loved one participate in holiday traditions in ways that feel safe and manageable. Decorating cookies, listening to carols or watching a classic holiday movie can be meaningful without being overwhelming.

Emotional Support

The holidays can stir emotions, especially for someone with memory loss. They may feel confused, nostalgic or even sad. Offer gentle reassurance and validate their feelings. If they ask about people or events from the past, respond with kindness rather than correction.

Use simple language and visual cues to help them stay oriented. A printed itinerary with photos or a calendar of holiday events can be helpful. Safety First Always prioritize safety. Make sure your loved one wears an ID bracelet with contact information. Keep recent photos on hand and consider using a GPS tracker if wandering is a concern. In unfamiliar environments, stay close and avoid leaving them unattended.

A Season Of Meaning

Holiday travel with a loved one who has dementia isn’t about perfection - it’s about presence. Even if they don’t remember the trip later, the feelings of love, warmth, and connection will remain. With patience and empathy, you can create a holiday experience that’s both safe and deeply meaningful.

A PAINTER CAPTURES SOME DESERT COLOR.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL For families caring for a loved one living with dementia, traveling during the holidays can be both heartwarming and challenging. Photo provided by ALZNI.