Free Living Life After 50
Garage sales —
Little bit of everything and anything
STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
You never know what you’ll find at a garage sale. Perhaps that’s what draws shoppers, along with affordability.
The Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso held the first of its biannual garage sales in April. Shoppers feasted on a menu that included beer signs, movie posters, clothes, sports souvenirs, mugs, toys, antique farm items, dolls, handmade birdhouses and even speed limit signs.
A woman, who with her husband has been doing garage sales for 50 years, said the couple keeps selling stuff “before our kids go through it.”
Diane Quinn of LaPorte was selling beer signs passed down by her father, a salesman. She said sales tastes vary on the season. Some shoppers, she said, go for “specialty stuff.”
Steve Millsap of Jackson Township has been doing garage sales for 15 years. Millsap, who offers a variety, said shoppers “want a good deal, a bargain. If it’s cheap enough, they’ll buy it.”
Minard of Crown Point offers home goods, pet supplies, jewelry and holiday items.
“People are looking for everything,” she said. “It depends on the person. I’ve seen people today buy plants, water skis and Christmas items. It all depends.”
Kelly Dola of Valparaiso was offering books and beauty items. She said people are looking for antiques, knick-knacks and “cheap stuff.”
Dola said she shops for “anything that might catch my eye.”
Pat Wallace of Hebron was
Continued on page 2
Text & Photos by
Anjie
PLENTY IN STOCK — Anjie Minard of Crown Point is seated beside a portion of her garage sale merchandise. Minard was selling home goods, pet supplies, jewelry and holiday items.
UNIQUE ANTIQUES Pat Wallace of Hebron is shown beside his antiques at the Porter County Expo Center garage sale. Those milk cans to the left go back 70 years, Wallace said.
MERCHANDISING Janet Ling of Portage arranges jewelry at the Porter County Expo Center garage sale. Ling also offers pottery and records.
FRIENDLY CONFINES These birdhouses handmade by Dan Shultz of Schererville were available at the spring garage sale at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso.
She seeks to break disconnect on diversity issues
By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
At a time when federal and state officials are eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Dr. Vanessa McCloud wants to clear the air on DEI.
As president and CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana since 2010, McCloud has worked to provide opportunities to raise the standard of living for those in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties.
Her agency’s programming includes scholarships, college/career readiness, entrepreneurship, tax assistance, rental and mortgage assistance and community outreach.
The Urban League also recently helped someone find lost luggage.
“People come to us for all types of things,” McCloud said.
On DEI, McCloud stresses, diversity, equity and inclusion are about leveling the playing field and ensuring everyone has a fair shot.
In a recent document co-authored by McCloud and Dr. Danny Lackey, a retired Merrillville school official, the two state, “There is a faulty belief that DEI is primarily about race, which is quite the contrary.”
DEI initiatives, the document continues, are “touching the lives of many from difficult backgrounds and circumstanc-
es and supporting equitable access to resources and services.”
“Who wouldn’t want an inclusive community? Who wouldn’t want what’s best?” McCloud asked. “It doesn’t lower standards. It removes barriers. It’s all about respecting the differences between people and working collaboratively to reach a goal.”
Founded in 1945 as an affiliate of the National Urban League, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana works to promote, encourage and enhance services to improve social, educational and economic conditions of African Americans and other minority groups in the three-county area, according to its mission statement.
As president and CEO for 15 years, McCloud said her responsibilities include “providing services to students and families to improve their quality of life.”
Those programs include scholarships, college readiness and STEM programs for grades 8-12. A Young Professionals Group for ages 21-40 meets for leadership and professional development skills.
The VITA tax assistance program served more than 750 clients this season. A health/ wellness program is held with support from local medical centers. The Urban League is also involved in the Federation
of Block Clubs, encouraging citizens to maintain and beautify their neighborhoods.
A relatively new addition is entrepreneurship, started in 2024. Also, McCloud is looking ahead this summer to another edition of the Northwest Learning Labs. Last year’s five-week summer program involved 720 youth working to improve math and language arts skills. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, that 2024 program saw a 30% increase in students’ skills.
The Urban League office in Gary has space for meetings, conferences and tax preparation appointments.
McCloud is looking ahead to a busy 2025. In addition to scholarship presentations this spring, ULNWI will hold a gala Aug. 21 at Indiana University Northwest; a Gospel Explosion at St. Timothy Community Church in Gary Sept. 14; and the DEI Awards Luncheon Nov. 18.
McCloud will also be honored in Washington, D.C. in May with the National Urban League Movement Champion for Diversity Award.
A Gary resident, this mother of six and grandmother of 13 is now a great-grandmother. With no plans to retire soon, McCloud said she is working to “provide a blueprint for whoever comes after me, so they can take the Urban League to the next level.”
her office at the Urban League of Northwest
has served as the nonprofit agency’s president and CEO since 2010. In May, the National Urban League in Washington D.C. will honor McCloud with its Urban League Movement Champion for Diversity Award.
Photo by Steve Euvino.
Little bit of
Continued from page 1 different and better than what it was before.”
selling primitives and rustic iron, including milk cans that go back 70 years. People, he said, are “looking for a bargain – it’s a garage sale. They’re looking for anything unique they’ve not seen before.”
Among his customers was Cynthia Hicks of Ogden Dunes, who bought a tomato server. “I do craft shows and I upcycle things,” she explained. “I try to make it
Janet Ling of Portage sold jewelry, pottery, and records. “It’s hard to tell what people are looking for,” she said. “Some want specialty items, while others are waiting for something that catches their eye. Usually the early birds are looking for something special.”
Bill Fager of Portage found a 1957 Sealtest Dairy ice cream wooden crate, while son, Eric, bought a deer skull with antlers. Lori Daly, director of the Porter County Expo Center and Fairgrounds, estimated 120 vendors at the April program.
“People are looking for bargains,” Daly said. “Some people are cleaning out their garages or doing spring cleaning.”
Daly estimated the day’s attendance between 1,500 and 2,500. “We always hope for rain,” she noted, “so people won’t be doing much outside.”
Sisters Lonette Annen of Valparaiso and Sharon Roeske of Boone Grove were selling mugs, household items and handmade crafts.
Annen said tastes differ, from men buying tools to women preferring makeup. Annen liked she could sell her crafts.
Sarah Podunovich of Hobart sold beauty supplies and purses.
“People are looking for unique things and necessities and things for vacations and stocking stuffers,” she said.
Podunovich added, “People are looking for a warm, friendly environment and a lot of the vendors provide that.”
URBAN LEAGUE LEADER — Dr. Vanessa McCloud is shown in
Indiana in Gary. McCloud
Chesterton woman finds joy in gardening and upcycling
By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer
Gail Murawski has fond memories of her father’s love of gardening, where he planted vegetables in the yard of their Chicago home as a child. “My father loved to plant tomatoes and peppers in the summer. We had climbing rose bushes along the chain link fence leading to the backyard,” she said. “In the backyard near our pool our neighbor, Edna, would tend to
her rows of zinnias. I would watch her dig and weed along the fence line and ask her questions about her flowers.”
Murawski developed a green thumb herself and enjoys being part of the Duneland Garden Club, an organization she has been part of for about four years.
“I enjoy our membership. Many members are master gardeners and are very knowledgeable. Many members are like myself and enjoy the friend-
CORPORATE OFFICE
ships and being in nature. We take pride in our community. We love enhancing our town and making it a beautiful area to live, work or visit,” she said.
As a club member, she takes part in beautification projects around Chesterton, where she has lived for 36 years.
“Truth be told, I really was never a houseplant person until my husband passed away. I took comfort in the kindness and thoughtfulness of the many cheerful plantings sent by family and friends,” Murawski explained. “Additionally, a guest speaker to the Garden Club brought in a Swedish ivy plant but not just any ivy. The story was told that this plant and the clipping I received is a descendant from a Swedish ivy that was gifted to President Kennedy. It has been a part of photographs for many years on the mantle of the fireplace in the Oval Office of the White House.”
A favorite plant of hers is the mandevilla plant.
“It is a tropical vine that never seems to disappoint,” she said. “I just make a little teepee out of sticks and watch it grow. I also enjoy the simplicity of an all-white planting and plantings with beautiful bright green leaves or interesting variegated leaves.”
Murawski also loves entertaining, decorating, thrifting and vintage shopping and upcycling — especially adding a fresh look to chairs. She has a “she shed” that she calls a “labor of love and source of solace.”
‘who owned this? Who painted this? What if it had a story of its own to tell?’”
A mother of two grown children, daughter Katelyn, 37, and Alex, 31, Murawski said her home and family are her heart.
daughter’s husband, Zach, is always busy finding new ways to keep me current and relevant. My yard is the grand-dogs’ favorite resort and weekend getaway.”
“It’s my space to incorporate the many treasures and eye candy I find that bring me joy,” she explained. “I often wonder,
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“I am enjoying my first grandchild, Albi, born to my son Alex and his wife, Kelly. As a family we love spending time in the yard. It’s always a lively gathering spot for all. My
S. O. S. — Speaking Of Seniors
Murawski is also the secretary for the Chesterton Plan Commission and the Chesterton Board of Zoning Appeals and attends monthly meetings, prepares minutes and gathers and distributes information for the board.
My letter to a collection firm
On March 31, 2025, I got a bill and some papers from a client in Chesterton. I reviewed the papers, phoned the client, phoned her insurance company, and phoned Medi-
care. Then, I wrote a letter to the collection firm.
With some editing to protect privacy, here is the letter that I sent the collection firm about the bill that it sent to
By WOODROW WILCOX Senior Problem Resolution Officer Senior Care Insurance Services
our client.
“Our client sent to our firm a bill from your firm for our review. There are some problems with this bill. Here is the result of our research so far.
I phoned the client’s Medicare supplement insurance company. That firm reported that it never received a claim Continued on page 5
LOVES VINTAGE AND THRIFTING Gail Murawski loves to gardening, thrifting and vintage shopping among other things. Here, she shows off some of her vintage finds during a plein air painting event. Photo provided by Gail Murawski.
Why a will may not be enough
By CLIFFORD J. RICE Elder Law Attorney Valparaiso
A will has no legal power until it is admitted to probate and a personal representative is appointed by the court. But courts don’t act on their own after your death; someone must file the necessary paperwork. This is a built-in delay that can slow down the process significantly. Further, probate is a public process; the contents of your will can be available to anyone who asks. Probate can be expensive and time-consuming. In some cases, probate can take months or even a year or more, and court costs and legal fees can reduce an estate’s value significantly.
A will also doesn’t help if you’re incapacitated. For that, you will need a healthcare proxy and a durable power of attorney; these are documents that allow
someone you trust to make medical and financial decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
Instead of relying solely on a will, it might be worth engaging in more comprehensive estate planning. This can begin with creating a living trust.
Trusts offer more flexibility and more protection than wills. You can transfer assets such as investments, property and personal belongings into a trust that is managed by you, as trustee. The trust allows you to outline how and when your assets should be distributed. You can also include specific conditions, such as age milestones, timed payouts or provisions for a family member with special needs.
Our trusts also contain language to help you remain in your own home as long as possible, avoiding unnecessary placement in a nursing home. A long-term catastrophic illness could otherwise cost your family up to $10,000 each month or more. Our trusts also contain language for married couples to require the surviving spouse to do a prenuptial agreement before they remarry. This could easily save your family hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Unlike a will, a trust can sometimes help reduce estate taxes, shield assets from
lawsuits or creditors and extend financial protection across generations. While a will can name guardians for minor children, it usually lacks the detail and safeguards of a trust, which can provide instructions for how
funds are to be used and clarify expectations for your children’s upbringing.
To learn more about how a comprehensive estate plan can fully protect you and your loved ones, contact us for a free,
no-obligation consultation:(800) 303-7423 or at riceandrice.com. A thoughtful, flexible strategy will help you transfer wealth, preserve your values and reduce uncertainty for the people you care about most.
Get doctor’s opinion on medical fees
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Whether or not you have health insurance, always ask your doctor if there is a fee involved when discussing any appointment, surgery, test, procedure, or any other arrangement being made to continue your treatment.
My letter to
Continued from page 4
report from Medicare for this date, amount or creditor.
I phoned Medicare to request a duplicate Medicare Summary Notice be sent to the client. But the date of service that your firm reported is more than two years ago and has been stored in Medicare archives. We must wait 10 days before we can phone again to request it to be sent to our client. Once the claim has been restored to the active files, it will take three weeks to send it to our
Follow-up appointments for such purposes as checking on proper healing of minor surgery or monitoring blood pressure can be chargeable but any fee might be avoided if the patient asks the doctor about any charge when the follow-up is discussed.
For example, follow-up visits after surgery normally is included in the surgeon’s original fee. But
client — if it exists.
Do you have any copies of previous bills or letters sent to our client by previous parties? If so, please send them to our client.
Our client is not ignoring your bill. She asked for our help to check the bill’s legitimacy. So, be patient as we help her.”
The help that I am giving to this client is free of charge. This insurance agency helps all our clients with similar medical bill problems at no charge. It is how we demonstrate that we really
not all, so ask to avoid surprises. The process has been complicated by the recent rise in telemedicine: internet contact with doctors by telephone and computer. In some cases, they’re covered by Medicare, Medicaid or supplemental insurance. In some cases, they are not, so you have to check with the doctor.
do care about our clients. If your insurance agent or agency does not give such a high standard of customer service, why don’t you switch to a better firm?
Note: Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville, Indiana. He has saved clients of that firm over $3 million by fighting mistakes and fraud in Medicare-related medical billing. Also, Wilcox wrote the book “Solving Medicare Problem$” which is available through book stores or online
June 4th
Mature Life Features
Social Security’s FAQ page can answer important questions
By DANIEL SUMMER, MA Public Affairs Specialist Social Security Administration
There are many online resources about Social Security, but it is important that you visit our official website — SSA.gov — for the most accurate and up-to-date answers. You can find lots of information about our programs and services on our Frequently Asked Questions page at faq. ssa.gov. We feature the most asked questions at the top of the page to include:
How can I get help from Social Security?
How much will the COLA amount be for 2025 and when will I receive it?
What should I do if I receive a call from someone claiming to be a Social Security employee?
How do I schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment?
What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits?
You can also browse by topic, including: Disability. Supplemental Security Income. Retirement. Medicare.
Many of our FAQs are available in Spanish, as well, at ssa.gov/espanol.
Visit our publications library at ssa.gov/pubs for more detailed information on many important topics. Most publications are available in text, audio, downloadable formats, and in other languages.
Share this information with your loved ones.
Legacy Foundation awards GPTC over $26,800 to launch free transit program
Legacy Foundation recently announced a grant of $26,862 to the Gary Public Transportation Corporation to support a new program providing free transportation to seniors or individuals with disabilities who are residents of Merrillville. Support for this project is provided by the Patricia Merrell Transportation Fund at Legacy Foundation.
“Mobility is more than just transportation — it’s independence, dignity and opportunity,” said Kelly Anoe, Legacy Foundation president and CEO. “This initiative isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about ensuring individuals have access to the essential places that support their well-being and empowering our community
to live freely and fully. Legacy Foundation is honored to partner with GPTC to support this vital service.”
Starting June 1, seniors age 65 and older, and individuals with disabilities who reside in Merrillville can obtain a free 30-day bus pass by visiting Merrillville Town Hall or GPTC Metro Center. Individuals will need to provide proof of age and residency to enroll. Passes will be available on a first come first served basis, with 50 distributed each month.
“This program is a great way to improve mobility for residents who sometimes have the greatest transit barriers in our communities,” explained Denise Comer Dillard, GPTC interim general manager. “We
BARBARA M. SHAVER
are excited to be partnering with Legacy Foundation and the Town of Merrillville to
implement this life-changing program.”
To learn more about program eligibility and enrollment, contact David Wright at (219) 885-7555.
Downsizing could lead to house hunting
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Just the thought of downsizing after the kids have left and we’re heading into our senior years makes most of us shake our heads.
We face such issues as whether to move into a highrise apartment building or senior-living community or to a friendlier climate or near the grandkids. Other matters include whether or not we can still have a garden or workshop or two-car garage and
what do you do with all our “stuff.”
Most folks in this position for the first time decide to shop around for a smaller house, something cozy and comfortable as they grow older. Some rent in the area or domicile they think they they’d like before deciding on what and where to settle.
If you see yourself in or approaching this situation, you’ll probably list location and price range before looking.
Keep in mind the timeworn warning when shopping: caveat emptor — let the buyer beware.
Homes for sale are primped and prettied up to look most-inviting and dreamhome-like to looky-loos.
While older structures may have the most problems, even newly built buildings can be poorly put together.
When you go through a building that has some appeal, turn on every light switch inside and outside and out in the garage and every electrical appliance — stove, air conditioner, heater, washer and dryer, microwave, dishwasher and anything else — to make sure everything works and you don’t trip a circuit breaker. If the electrical system can’t handle what’s installed, it probably needs an upgrade, which can be costly.
Then check the water system. Turn on all the faucets, indoor and outdoor and shower and flush the toilets. Check for leaks and check the walls for damp spots that indicate
dripping or cracked pipes.
As you inspect walls, look closely for tell-tale signs of patching that can mean the dry wall was cut open to repair piping or electrical circuits. Check the ceiling the same way. While such patches might indicate that whatever problem existed has been repaired, they can also be signs of ongoing problems.
Now check the flooring for the same thing as well as sagging spots or sloping. Mismatched coloring of carpeting or wood are indicators that the flooring was ripped up and replaced. A sagging or slanting floor can mean the building’s foundation is sinking.
It also can be an indicator that a section of the building was added to the original structure. Mismatched roofing can be a sign of the same thing.
Mold may be hiding behind these walls, floors and ceilings as well as in closets and kitchen cabinets. Exercise your sense of smell as you prowl around the house to make sure it’s as clean as it looks.
If you’re still interested in the property, make sure the owner signs a written record of all the problems and how and when they were repaired. Before making a final decision, you might have a professional builder give the property a thorough inspection.
Or you might keep on looking.
FIND ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS Visit Social Security’s Frequently Asked Question page to find your answers to important questions at SSA.gov.
Snatched from the Jaws of defeat
As many of us probably remember, “Jaws” was a fun movie to watch. Filming it, though, was a different story. Just ask the director.
By RANDAL C. HILL
In 1973, movie producers Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown bought the rights to Peter Benchley’s just-released novel “Jaws.” The pair in turn offered film-directing chores to Steven Spielberg, the 26-year-old hotshot who had become an overnight success with his now-classic TV movie “Duel.”
Spielberg handed the screenwriting project to a friend, TV scriptwriter Carl Gottlieb, who gleefully promised Spielberg, “If we do our jobs right, people will feel about going in the ocean the way they felt about taking a shower after ‘Psycho’.”
Spielberg discarded the book’s many subplots, as he figured the shark was the star of the story. He thus hired lesser-known actors for the movie — Roy Scheider as police chief Martin Brody, Richard Dreyfuss as marine biologist Matt Hooper and Robert Shaw as shark hunter Quint.
Spielberg also insisted on filming on the ocean rather than in a Hollywood tank.
Three huge, pneumatically powered sharks were then constructed. The California project took five months and required the use of 40 effects technicians, who managed to get the props to swim, gnash their teeth, flip their tails and dive. The sharks, each nicknamed “Bruce” after Spielberg’s lawyer Bruce Ramer, were then trucked to Massachusetts. Once in the Atlantic Ocean, 14 operators were needed to control the movements of the beasts, each of which was fastened to an elongated sled during shooting scenes.
Spielberg chose the quaint village of Martha’s Vineyard for filming, as it met his needs for a place with a shallow and sandy ocean floor (for effective camerawork), small tides and an unbroken horizon. Called Amity in the story, the locale was depicted as a small tourist resort on Long Island’s south shore.
In May 1974, Spielberg’s crew came to town with a $3.5 million budget to cover 55 days of filming.
From the outset, though, problems threw the schedule into disarray. Many issues involved the Bruces, whose hoses burst, the props became tangled in forests of kelp, and the sleds that the sharks rode ran aground. Add to this the aggravation of recreational sailboats drifting into view, stormy weather canceling shoot times, and some actors and crew members becoming seasick.
Everybody complained. After a while, frustrated crew members began calling the project “Flaws.”
The movie eventually wrapped, but in 159 days rather than 100, and $5.5 million over the original budget. Spielberg understandably moaned, “I thought my career as a filmmaker was over.”
To Hollywood moguls, summertime was best for dumping teen-oriented films into drive-in theaters. But Tinseltown’s outlook was turned inside out when, in June 1975, Universal Pictures’ “Jaws” became history’s first-ever summer movie blockbuster. Just how big was it? Steven’s release recouped all its production costs in only 10 days and became the highest grossing film of all time until “Star Wars” appeared two years later.
And Mr. Spielberg, thankfully, never had to worry about his career again.
FROM BOOK TO MOVIE The rights to Peter Benchley’s newly released novel “Jaws” was bought by movie producers Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown in 1973. The 26-year-old Steven Spielberg was given the directing chores. Photo from peterbenchly.com.
A Healthy Lifestyle as You Age
Healthy R Reminders for A Adults o over 5 50!
1. Take Your Medication as Directed
All medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, include directions for safe use. Be sure to follow all printed guidelines and the advice of your doctor to ensure that the medicine works safely and effectively.
2. Don’t Overdo It
Using alcohol and medications unintentionally or to cope with big life changes is called substance misuse. Help can begin with diagnosis, addressing chronic health issues, rebuilding support systems and starting treatment.
3. Check in with Your Mood
Feeling persistently sad or that you don’t have value can indicate depression, especially when these feelings affect your daily routine. Depression can be treated with talk therapy and/or medication. You can also lower the risk of depression when you prepare for major life changes, stay physically active, and share how you are feeling with family or friends.
4. Find Purpose Each Day
Feeling that your life has purpose is a key to fulfillment. It can impact your health positively, and may also slow down aging and increase longevity. Make choices and plan activities based on what is enjoyable, interesting, and important to you.
Learn More When You...
• Talk with your healthcare provider. Bring your questions about healthy aging.
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NW Indiana premier’s 55 and better living option
By ADAM MCNEIL, Manager Lakeside Community
quaint shops and local businesses you will find the gem of Jasper County.
We offer brand new 2-3 bedroom homes that come with a two-car garage. We
Learn how facial recognition can help identify unknown people in those old photos
“Connecting Faces Through Time — How Related Faces Can Help Identify Unknown People In Old Photos” will be presented by Tina LaFreniere, founder and CEO of Related Faces Technologies, at 10 a.m. May 17, at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 81st Ave. Merrillville, in meeting room A and on Zoom.
This presentation will step participants through how to identify unknown people in old photographs by utilizing the features of Related Faces. This class discusses the basics of how facial recognition works, the importance of properly digitizing personal photos and how to do it with just a cell phone. It covers techniques for making positive identifications with real-world examples.
LaFreniere is the founder and CEO of Related Faces Technologies. Her genealogical journey began in 1998 when
Schemers never let a crisis go to waste
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
Crooks love it when folks are on edge, especially when such calamities as hurricanes, brush fires, tornadoes, floods or other disasters are predicted or just passed.
They show up at the door, contact you by mail, call you on phone or alert you on the internet that they are government officials or on-the-spot fixer-up contractors or some other helpful person or organization that can solve all your problems. For a fee.
Their approaches usually narrow down to the demand or need for immediate precautions and repairs that requires money up front money to get the material for the work that needs to be done.
Getting their name and the name and phone number of their government department or having them leave a card with you isn’t always a protection because their information can be bogus.
To protect yourself from these impostors, contact your local government office and Better Business Bureau.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
she inherited thousands of family photos, hundreds of which were unidentified. This inspired her to create Related Faces, which was officially launched in February 2022 and has since been awarded two U.S. Patents.
In addition to her work with Related Faces, LaFreniere is a board member of the Comal County Genealogical Society
in New Braunfels, Texas. She is also a member of several genealogical societies, including the National Genealogical Society, The Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society and the Texas State Genealogical Society. Related Faces is a FamilySearch Registered Solutions Provider, and an Amazon Web Services “Activate Entrepreneur” company.
have model homes available for you to come see and we also specialize in custom ordering your dream home. You will love all of the different options we offer in the homes. Lakeside, a 55-plus community, located near the town of Rensselaer, is not only a place to reside but truly a community with a built-in social lifestyle fostering connections and life-long friendships. The first thing you will notice as you drive into the community is the welcoming and well-maintained homes, yards and community spaces. Residents take great pride in their beautiful community and Lakeside’s management team is responsive and attentive to the community needs. One important difference is affordability. The beautiful manufactured homes boast all the amenities of traditionally-built homes at a fraction
of the cost. Residents of Lakeside also enjoy low tax rates, the low utility costs of Rensselaer and very reasonable lot fees.
The accessible clubhouse sits perched next to the water where you will find a sandy beach and boat dock. Residents of Lakeside enjoy time together or enjoy hosting friends and family at the beach or fishing in one of the ponds. The clubhouse serves as the hub to Lakeside’s close-knit community. Here, residents are often found engaged in weekly scheduled games, monthly potlucks, fitness classes, reading, movie nights and many other activities that foster connections. Take time to find out more about living at Lakeside Community! Visit our website enjoylakeside.com or contact us via phone at (219) 866-5165 or email: lakeside@ turnkeycommunities.com.
A big photo bomb
This could only happen to me and it did.
NUTSHELL
By DICK WOLFSIE
I got a new iPhone. It has a lot of new features, which are wasted on me because I am a meatand- potatoes kind of guy, so I don’t need a lot of bells and whistles.
However, the camera does have some neat photography enhancements, which I was particularly interested in, as we were going to Iceland and I wanted to bring home more than just a bad cold. As you will see, I don’t have an eye for photography, but I do have a foot for it.
I was sitting on the couch, my legs propped up on the coffee table, snapping photos and learning how to switch between landscape mode, portrait mode, night mode, slow-motion mode, and, for pastry fans, pie à la mode.
To test the camera’s precision and light sensitivity, I took a photo of the TV screen I was watching. But because I am a
lousy photographer, it ended up as a photo of both my legs and feet. So, I deleted it. I thought.
After completing my self-tutorial, I went to Facebook to check on a few friends, and there was the photo I had just taken. How did it get there? What did I click? I had no idea.
As perplexed as I was, I didn’t panic. There was nothing lascivious about the picture. Unless you have a thing for feet. I was innocent of any indiscretion. I was also confident that, even with my limited technical prowess, it would be easy to delete a photo on Facebook, but in this case, I discovered that I had inadvertently created a video for Instagram, called a reel. I could see my feet twitching.
Before I could respond to the problem, our friends, Bob and Cathy, called me. They saw the photo on Facebook and wondered why I was wearing white socks before Easter. Bob wanted to know how many of my little piggies went to the market, and how many went to Instagram.
This is not my first goof online. Years ago, when I was testing my acumen with Twitter, I sent a message to myself with just my name to see if I was doing everything correctly.
I also accidentally sent it to about 500 Facebook friends.
I got some irritating responses:
“Bad column. No plot development.”
“It’s always about you, isn’t it?”
“Rotten story, hated the main character.”
“Dick, I used your name for a week instead of mine. You can have it back.”
I tried and tried to delete the photo of my legs and feet, but I must have been doing something wrong because it wouldn’t go away. In the meantime, I had 50 likes, then 85, then 120. This yielded more responses than I had ever received for my weekly column.
Once again, I got annoying comments:
“In a contest for the worst photographer in the world, you’re a shoe-in.”
“I usually get a kick out of your stuff, but this is ridiculous.”
As they say in show biz: “Break a leg.”
And my favorite: “This photo stinks in more ways than one.”
Finally, the photo magically disappeared. I was tired of all the stupid leg and foot jokes, so I was happy the reel was finally amputated. I mean deleted.
Memories of a muddy pond
By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer
I suppose the smell got pretty strong, on those dry, dog days of summer. When the muddy pond receded, into shallow pools of water. With luck fallen trees might lie about, to form a connecting trail, On which the 10-year boy could walk, above the stench of the muddy pond smell.
Observing the trapped aquatic life, he edges closer to the water. There to spy the insects and the tadpoles. And on the surface glide the spiders.
The pond was his playground for the summer.
His curiosity constantly piqued.
With no near friends or neighbors, it would be the water he would seek.
Animal tracks in the mud were fun.
Getting bit by a struggling snake was not.
But even going home in muddy clothes, was worth the lecture that he got.
That boy has grown and is now a father. But those pond memories live on.
As his kids hike the wooded paths, making memories of their own.
Contact Carpenter at pokeberryjim@ gmail.com.
KICKING OFF THE SEASON Ian Munsick will kick off the Hometown Jams season with a concert on May 29 at the Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso. Tickets are available at hometownjams.com. Photo provided.
Hometown Jams brings a star-studded 2025 lineup to Northwest Indiana
Hometown Jams is bringing a stacked lineup of country music’s biggest names to Northwest Indiana this summer, delivering unforgettable nights of live music in Valparaiso, Crown Point, and at the Lake County Fair.
The season kicks off May 29 with Ian Munsick at Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso. Known for his modern Western sound and storytelling, Munsick sets the tone for a summer full of music.
On June 13, Gavin Adcock brings his high-energy, rock-influenced country to Bulldog Park in Crown Point.
Then on July 31, Hometown Jams teams up with the Lake County Fair to host a mas-
sive Kickoff Party featuring Russell Dickerson and Niko Moon.
The summer continues with fan-favorite Priscilla Block taking the Valparaiso stage on Aug. 3, followed by Kip Moore at Bulldog Park on Sept. 4, and closes with chart-topping powerhouse Gabby Barrett back in Valpo on Sept. 12.
“This year’s lineup is our biggest yet,” said Tyrus Joseforsky, founder of Hometown Jams. “We’re proud to bring these artists to our communities and keep building moments fans will never forget.”
Tickets and VIP upgrades are available now at hometownjams.com.
Hobart Garden Club hosting plant and treasure sale
The Hobart Garden Club will host its annual plant and treasure sale from 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. Saturday, May 31 in the Hobart Chamber parking lot, 1001 Lillian St., Hobart.
Not all germs should be washed away
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
An accent has been placed on washing your hands often with soap and water to eliminate any germs you may have picked up during the day.
Doing this to your entire body may not be healthy, we’re told.
Taking long hot showers or baths can wash away the layer of dead skin cells and natural oils and organic
compounds that protect your skin from becoming brittle and scaly. Soap ingredients are designed to remove dirt, but they also take away that protective layer.
Skin specialists recommend lukewarm water for baths or showers that are limited to 10 minutes or less. They also suggest patting yourself dry rather than rubbing vigorously so you don’t irritate your skin.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
FILL-IN-THE-BLANKS
ACROSS
1. Eight performers
6. Air traffic control controlling org.
9. 100-meter race
13. *Fauna, Merryweather and ____, fairy godmothers
14. Adam’s body part in Bible
15. Stone fruit
16. Type of bulrush, pl.
17. *”Dawn of a new ____”
18. Pertaining to ear
19. *”____ list”
21. *”Your wish is my ____”
23. Actor Danson
24. Pottery oven
25. *Migos: “Look at My ____”
28. Cold cuts counter
30. Inner skin layer, pl.
35. Riyadh native
37. One thousandth of a liter, pl.
39. *”Till _____ do us part”
40. Inconclusive
41. Where there’s trouble?
43. On a cruise, e.g.
44. Man-made stone pile
46. Purse for a formal affair
47. Animal house
48. When a 3rd party holds assets
50. Prefers
52. Desk well content
53. Withdraw gradually
55. Black and white sea bird
57. *”____ up the wrong tree”
61. *”A date which will live in ____”
64. Certain mono-
Ichromatic cookie, pl.
65. Weary traveler’s destination
67. Robin Hood’s companion Tuck
69. September stone
70. Tolstoy of “War and Peace” fame
71. Salon file
72. Hurly burly
73. Immeasurable period
74. Raja’s wife DOWN
1. Oftentimes, poetic abbreviation
2. *”Welcome to the ____”
3. Cough syrup balsam
4. Not slouching
5. Assigned a chore
6. Worry
7. *”I’m walkin’ on ____”
8. Old-time calculators
9. Ringo Starr’s instrument
10. Ambience
11. Bridge, e.g.
12. Kept together
15. *F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Beautiful and the ____”
20. Possible allergic reaction
22. *”What’s ____ is new again”
24. One thousand tons
25. *”____ like no one is watching”
26. La Scala solos
27. Fundamental
29. *”____ is like a box of chocolates”
31. Madrid’s Club de Fútbol
32. Kenyan warrior
33. Dined at home
34. *”Jump the
found
Brain Boosters
____,” what Fonzie did
36. 100 cents in Ethiopia
38. *”No ____ for you!”
42. Previously an Oiler
45. In no manner, archaic
49. Skin cyst
51. Bear pain
54. Quick and light on one’s feet
56. Deserved consequence
57. *”You’re gonna need a bigger ____”
58. Jason’s vessel
Blueberry Lemonade
This blueberry lemonade is just sweet enough, with gorgeous color from fresh blueberries. Whole lemons with a thinner skin add flavor without bitterness.
8 servings; Prep 10 min.; Total Time 10 min.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups fresh blueberries, plus more for serving
1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 6 thinskinned lemons)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups water
DIRECTIONS:
Place blueberries, lemon juice, sugar and salt in a blender. Process until combined, about 45 seconds. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher; discard solids. Stir in water. Divide among 8 ice-filled glasses and top with more blueberries, if desired.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
77 Calories, 20g Carbs.
Knight not only uses his noodle,
Text and Photos
By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
You can serve your faith community in many ways. You can serve at the altar. You can serve others by hospital visits. If you’re Mark Dranchak, you can serve noodles and cabbage.
That’s one of the roles Mark Dranchak performs for Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Parish in the South Haven community in Porter County. During each of the parish’s Lenten fish fries, Dranchak made 150 pounds of noodles and cabbage, a Slavic tradition.
In addition, Dranchak, 69, prepared the fish breading in advance and fried the fish on Fridays.
Of Hungarian and Slovak descent, Dranchak mixes butter, onions, noodles, cabbage, salt, and pepper for a dish that has become a drawing card at the fish fry. “It comes together really nice,” he said.
A deputy grand knight with Our Lady of Sorrows Knights of Columbus Council 12149, Dranchak also serves on the parish council and is a lector. He also chairs the K of C fundraising drive for a Safe House baby box, planned for the South Haven fire station.
The OLS fish fries averaged 400 customers weekly, a pretty substantial number considering the competition with other churches, clubs, and restaurants during Lent.
“We’ve been doing this as a parish for about 30 years,” Dranchak noted. “People also like the all-you-can-eat aspect.”
He added, “we have a lot of good volunteers, Knights, Altar and Rosary Society, and parishioners.”
An OLS member for more than 40 years, Dranchak sees his parish as very family-oriented.
“There’s the deep faith of the people,” he said. “I see Christ in our faith community. Hopefully, they see it in me.”
As to living his faith, Dranchak explained, “From the time I get up to the time I go to bed, I hope and pray that everything I do is for the grace and mercy of God. Everything I say and do shows I believe in the mercy of God.”
Dranchak and wife, Maryann, who will be married 50 years in September, have three children and nine grandchildren.
A retired automotive engineering director who has traveled the globe, Dranchak finds meaning in several
biblical passages, including the account of Pentecost in Acts 2:4, 6-11, in which the apostles
receive the gift of tongues: “And at this sound the multitude … were bewildered, because each one was hearing [the apostles] speak in his own language.”
“That was really awesome, having a relationship with God,” Dranchak said. “I’ve known people from around the world, and not everyone is able to see that. We tend to create stereotypes, but different people have their faith.”
Our Lady of Sorrows has an active K of C council. In addition to running the fish
fries, the men’s group holds an annual fall coat drive, with four truckloads going to Gary sites last year. The group also distributes winter caps, gloves and blankets.
The Knights also raise funds for children’s groups through their Tootsie Roll drive. They support parish, community and statewide projects.
Knight Jim Coslow, who chairs the fish fries, explained, “we have a good bonding of people here, like a country club unto God. We enjoy this.”
TIME TO PRAY — Mark Dranchak leads a prayer prior to a Lenten fish fry at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Parish in the South Haven commuity. Members of the local Knights of Columbus, Altar and Rosary Society and other parish volunteers worked weekly on the fish fries.
USING THEIR NOODLES Lery Walworth, left, and Mark Dranchak of the Knights of Columbus
open a tray of hot noodles and cabbage prior to a Lenten fish fry at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Parish in the South Haven community. Dranchak personally prepared 150 pounds of noodles and cabbage for every parish fish fry during Lent.
The
By PATRICIA J. EVANKO Principal Manager
When does
After much
some people say
when the last kid leaves home, and the dog dies.
Right at about that same time we start thinking about our retirement options. We could move to Florida, but really, we would miss those kids too much. Then there is all that work with taking care of the house.
We are getting tired out on all that stuff!
What should we do... Well, these are really big considerations.
There is a solution. Sell
Duneland Chamber celebrates 22nd Year of the European Market
The Duneland Chamber of Commerce recently announced the opening day of the 22nd season of the beloved Chesterton European Market. The 2025 market season kicks off on Saturday, May 3, and will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through October in downtown Chesterton.
An annual tradition that draws locals and visitors alike, the European Market offers an eclectic mix of artisan breads and pastries, boutique creamery cheeses, gourmet foods, locally crafted art, fresh meats, spices, oils, clothing, accessories, handcrafted jewelry and freshfrom-the-farm produce and
flowers. Guests can also enjoy live performances by some of Duneland’s most talented professional musicians, organized by our music sponsor, Arrested Sounds.
Get a glimpse of what’s in store this season by watching the European Market promo video: youtu.be/0KFqdtBFQNA?si=DHxu7JhnNE_ ZlAuW.
“The European Market is more than a place to shop — it’s a celebration of community,” said Maura Mundell, president of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another incredible season filled with local flavor,
Autoimmune disease attacks from anywhere
By CECIL SCAGLIONE
Mature Life Features
It wasn’t all that long ago when most of us never heard of an autoimmune disease.
Medical science and research has identified more than 100 of these disorders that range from type one diabetes to multiple sclerosis, lupus, and autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis.
No one knows what causes these diseases nor why anyone gets them. Many victims live with the condition for years before being diagnosed properly.
An autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. For example, autoimmune hepatitis is a result of your immune system attacking your liver instead of the lurking germs and viruses.
Your immune system never rests in its battle against bacteria and it somehow can turn on you, causing debilitating, and life-threatening in some cases, inflammation of joints, nerves and organs.
Recent reports indicate the problem is increasing as more than 15% of the population carry biomarkers of autoimmunity, a 5% rise over just a few decades.
Medical experts attribute the increase to chronic stress in our day-to-day lives, diets loaded with processed foods, and environmental toxins, such as insecticides and pesticides in the air and food.
A healthy diet and lifestyle
helps combat the onset and treatment of autoimmunity.
Starting with your diet is probably the simplest and easiest first step toward insulating yourself against autoimmune attacks. The Mediterranean diet is recommended widely as a healthy weapon against autoimmune disease.
There is plenty of literature available on what comprises this anti-inflammatory list of food that calms your immune system.
A quick overview includes vegetables, fruit, nuts, fish and olive oil.
Foods to avoid include refined oils, processed meat, and anything with added sugar.
Almost three-quarters of your immune system lives in your guts, so probiotics and live-culture foods such as yogurt are strong shields against autoimmune attackers.
A dietitian can work with you to prepare a list of eat and don’teat items.
Regular exercise is also urged. You don’t have to sign up at a gym for daily two-hour weight-lifting sessions. A walk in the park with your dog, a bicycle ride, or some laps in the pool all work and can be enjoyable.
This activity will also help avoid stress and relax. And you’ll probably sleep better, giving your body and immune system more time to repair itself.
Before adopting any regimen in your life, discuss your situation with your family doctor.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
that house, get rid of all that work, and move into a safe, inexpensive apartment community, an adult community.
creativity and connection.”
Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it by exploring Chesterton’s charming downtown, filled with unique shops and vibrant restaurants.
For more information, contact the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at (219) 926-5513 or visit dunelandchamber.org.
One in a nice community, with nice people, Fountain View Apartments offers a very inexpensive, active adult community, very quiet, very safe. Our location in “nostalgic” Crown Point offers proximity to grocery stores, churches and banks, all within walking distance. Every apartment has a balcony or patio. Our people enjoy sitting out and chatting with each other, planting flowers or strolling the sidewalks.
The Fountain View Apartments are exceptionally maintained and extensively remodeled.
Our rents are very reasonable, ranging from $1,275 for one bedroom and $1,350 for a two bedroom, per month.
Our office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are located off Merrillville Road and 96th avenue. Our telephone number is (219) 663-8228. The address of our model and office is 9614 Dona Court, Apartment 35, Crown Point. Best to call and schedule an appointment.
Each apartment has central air conditioning and individual gas heat. Each apartment is being remodeled with plank flooring, new bathrooms and stainless-steel appliances. They are beautiful! See for yourself fountainviewrentals. com.
Visit fountainviewrentals. com for more information.
Talking about death and grief openly
TOM ROSE
A doctor friend told me a story when he was in medical school, and a doctor /professor was talking about a specific medical condition. He said, “If these complications occur, the patients who develop them will eventually die.” Then he stopped for a second or two and said, “But then, all patients eventually die.”
My friend commented, “The medical profession is stalling for time.”
It became clear to me during my wife’s battle with breast cancer that doctors are well aware that the added time is precious to the patient. With the advanced medical tools available, they can
improve their patient’s length and quality of life. The professor’s point that we all eventually die is not something we are taught and we don’t discuss it very much. As long we have lived, we have died. The simple fact of life is that we will eventually die, and someone we love will die. We will, at some time in our life, experience grief. No one is immune. We all live with it, and yet we still find death and dying very difficult to discuss. With medical advances, life expectancy has increased. We expect medical advances to prolong our lives regardless of our diagnosis. We may cruise through our twenties, thirties, or forties without ever facing the reality of our mortality. So, we rarely ever discuss it. If we don’t talk about it, it won’t happen. Our ancestors were much better at talking about death. In those times, people may have been reluctant to discuss sex, but death was part of their daily life. Disease was rampant, so living with death was expected. No matter your wealth, everyone will eventually die. Less than 40% of babies born in the 1800s would reach their 60th birthday. Less than 10% made it to their 80th. That meant that our ancestors experienced a lot of death and attended a lot of funerals.
We are no strangers to death, though. Over the last 125 years, death has occurred on a significant scale with two world wars, Korea and Vietnam, a major flu epidemic, and now the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, we still don’t openly discuss the difficulty and complexity of the emotions that death and grieving bring. We continue to deal with the trauma of death by embracing a stiff upper lip, hiding our feelings, and moving on. No, talking about death won’t prevent it from happening; it will only perpetuate the fears, misconceptions, and confusion surrounding it.
In my book “Balloon in a Box: Coping with Grief,” I suggest that we reclaim our emotions and learn how to process better how we feel. Let’s talk openly about death and how we think about how something is impacting us. We can begin to understand that whatever we are feeling is normal and find a way through it. By sharing our experiences and talking about them, we will know that grief will always be with us; that is something you really have to get over. We must learn that life continues, understanding that it’s something we can learn to live with. We do not need to feel we’ve failed because we continue to grieve the death
of someone important. We must learn to embrace the changes it brings to our lives.
By embracing the end as we do the beginning, acknowledging our mortality, not thinking that we will live forever and not taking our lives for granted. Talking about it, maybe we will be able to view death, our death, in a different way.
Let’s not wait until the final moments of our lives to talk about it. Let’s talk about it now,
and remember, life continues, and we must embrace the changes.
Editors Note: Tom Rose is the author of “Balloon in a Box: Coping with Grief” available on Amazon, at Fabells Books in Goshen, and on his website, thomaslrose.com. He is avilable for speaking engagements and facilitates grief groups. Feedback can be directed to rosandroseassociates@ comcast.net or (574) 596-6256. Additionally, Tom hosts the weekly podcast “Senior Talk Michiana” available on Spotify and his website at thomaslrose.com/senior-talk.
Aging at home
sweet home
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
If you’re looking forward to aging gracefully in your own home, you’re among the 80% of the over50 population that looks forward to doing just that.
If you’re part of that phalanx that isn’t interested in moving into one of the assisted-living or nursing-home facilities mushrooming throughout the land, you might look around the house for ways to make it senior-citizen friendly.
inside the house, too.
See about eliminating any stairs or steps and making hallways wider, if necessary. Handrails along corridors and in bathrooms and showers should be considered and remove loose rugs and doormats that can trip you up.
If you’re used to having our bedroom upstairs, think about moving it down. Stairs are a major cause of falls that kill or cripple. Falling down stairs kills about half of the 30,000 seniors who die from falls each year.
Start with the kitchen, which is where you spend much of your time every day. Your stove should have its push buttons and dials easy to reach at the front instead of at the hard-to-reach rear behind the burners. You might even consider voice controls.
You should also think about ovens. Replace the usual in-stove oven with a wall type or microwave oven. Make the location handy and low enough. Do the same with your cupboard handles.
Check your bedroom for loose cords. Curtain pulls, electrical cords or any loose ends should be tucked out of the way to avoid tripping and falling.
Check lights switches around the house. Make sure they’re low enough to reach from your chair while you’re making sure there is plenty of lighting around the house, including entry ways, closets, bathrooms and your yard.
Plug in nightlights throughout so you can see your way to a light switch without stumbling or tripping over unseen objects, such as slippers, magazines or sweaters that may have been dumped before going to bed.
If you’re still physically mobile, sit in a chair as you check these details so they will be accessible should you ever require a wheelchair.
Keep this image in mind and head for the front door to check if you should replace those steps with a ramp. And is the doorway wide enough. Check out the rear entry, too.
You can also get digital locks for the door so you don’t have to fumble for keys to lock up or get back in.
Make sure you have plenty of light at these entry points. And
Look around for slippery spots, especially on any steps and in the bathroom. You can apply non-nonskid strips to the shower floor and get a shower chair that can also reduce the chances of falling.
While you’re doing all this, you’ll probably discover other perils as well as come up with some ideas of your own to make life more comfortable as you age in place.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
Memory Care
Coping with Grief By
Aperion Care - Demotte 10352 N. 600 E., Demotte, IN 46310 (219) 345-5211 • www.aperioncare.com
Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care
Aperion Care - Tolleston Park
2350 Taft Street, Gary, IN 46404 (219) 977-2600 • www.aperioncare.com
Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care
- Merrillville | Memory Care
7900 Rhode Island St., Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 525-4123 • www.avivamerrillville.com
Memory Care only. It’s our sole focus. Alzheimer care. From initial to end-state dementia. Comfortable, caring enviornment. Peace of mind for families.
AVIVA - Valparaiso | Senior Living
1300 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 531-2484 • www.avivavalparaiso.com
Assisted Living & Memory Care in beautifully renovated community. Parkinson’s Disease Certification. Studios to two-bedroom apartments available.
Hammond-Whiting Care Center
1000-114th Street, Whiting, IN 46394 (219) 659-2770
www.hammondwhitingconvalescentcenter.com
Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Semi-Skilled Nursing, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Respite Care, Hospice Care, JCAHO Accredited, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Ignite Medical Resort of Chesterton
2775 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304 (219) 304-6700
www.ignitemedicalresorts.com
Post Hospital Rehabilitation & Care, Physical, Occupational, Speech, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care, Infection Management, Renal Management, Resort-Style Senior Living, New & Impeccably Designed Facility
Ignite Medical Resort of Crown Point
1555 S. Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 323-8700
www.ignitemedicalresorts.com
Post Hospital Rehabilitation & Care, Physical, Occupational, Speech, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care, Infection Management, Renal Management, Resort-Style Senior Living, New & Impeccably Designed Facility
Ignite Medical Resort of Dyer 1532 Calumet Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 515-4700
www.ignitemedicalresorts.com
Post Hospital Rehabilitation & Care, Physical, Occupational, Speech, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care, Infection Management, Renal Management, Resort-Style Senior Living, New & Impeccably Designed Facility
Lake Park Residential Care
2075 Ripley Street, Lake Station, IN 46405 (219) 962-9437 • www.assistedlivingfacilities.org
Assisted Living, Long Term Care, Temporary Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Residential Care, Mental Health Services, Activities, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid
Life Care Center of The Willows
1000 Elizabeth Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 464-4858 • www.lcca.com
Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing 24/7, Ready Set Go Program for Rehab to Home; Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies; Exceptional Wound Care; Respite Care; Pallitative and Hospice Care; Long-term Care; Private/Semi-Private Rooms; Pet Visitation Allowed; Medicare, Medicaid, Most Insurances, Private Pay Accepted
Life Care Center of Valparaiso
3405 N. Campbell, Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 462-1023 • www.lcca.com/Valparaiso
Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Ready Set Go Rehab Program, Inpatient/Outpatient Physical, Occupational, Speech, Respiratory, Therapy, Wound Care, Respite And Hospice Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Facility Van, JCAHO Accredited, Medicare, Insurance, Medicaid Accepted
Residences at Coffee Creek
Experience Our Unique Approach To Senior Living & Memory Support 2300 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304 (219) 921-5200 • ResidencesSeniorLiving.com
Retirement Living, Assisted Living, Dedicated Memory Support, Respite Care, Therapy Available, Pet Friendly and VA Benefits Accepted
Residences at Deer Creek
Experience Our Unique Approach To Senior Living & Memory Support 401 E. U.S. 30, Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 864-0700 • ResidencesSeniorLiving.com
Retirement Living, Assisted Living, Dedicated Memory Support, Respite Care, Therapy Available, Pet Friendly and VA Benefits Accepted
Anthony 203 Franciscan Drive. Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 661-5100
MajesticCare.com
Assisted Living, Private Rooms, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Services (including Physical, Occupational, Speech and Respiratory Therapy), Pet Visitation, Accepts Most Payer Sources. *Saint Anthony is no longer affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Gary or the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.
Saint
Blast To The Past —
‘Philadelphia Freedom’ was Elton John’s 4th chart-topping disc
Elton John
A recording superstar + an iconic athlete = a million-selling song that made no sense.
Huh?
By RANDAL C. HILL
In early 1975, Elton John had personal reasons for wanting to create what would become his fourth chart-topping disc. A couple of years earlier, at a party in California, he had met Billie Jean King, who at the time was busy becoming a feminist hero.
Shortly after meeting Elton, Billie Jean— arguably the best woman tennis player in the world — decimated Bobby Riggs in the well-hyped 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match at the Houston Astrodome. While King destroyed Riggs in three consecutive sets, Elton, who watched the match from a hotel room, screamed so loudly that he lost his voice.
The John-King friendship grew over time. King collected his albums, and John often cheered at King’s matches. In
gratitude, she had a custom tracksuit uniform made for the British superstar. He would eventually find his own way of returning the favor.
One day, John told King he wanted to write a song for her. King thought he was kidding and later recalled, “I didn’t think I heard him right. I turned scarlet red.” But John assured her that he was on the up-and-up and could create a hit song with her in mind.
“What are we going to call it?” he asked King, who at the time was the player/coach for the (World Team Tennis) Philadelphia Freedoms. He answered his own question with “How about ‘Philadelphia Freedom’?” Thus was born the title of what would become Elton’s next journey to the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
In the King-oriented creation came a rare moment in which John gave his lyric writer Bernie Taupin an unusual assignment: John wanted a song called “Philadelphia Freedom,” and Taupin needed to come up with … well, something. Later, Taupin admitted that his words had nothing to do with tennis and, really, meant nothing in particular:
“Oh, Philadelphia Freedom “Shine on me, I love ya “Shine a light through the
ADULT DAY SERVICES
ST. AGNES ADULT DAY SVC. CENTER
Specializing in Alzheimer’s Care
1859 Harrison Blvd.
Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 477-5433
www.stagnesvalpo.org
Email: barbkubiszak@gmail.com
Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.
Structured Activities, Safe & Secure Surroundings, Health Monitoring “Help make their Golden Years shine a little brighter.”
AGING CONNECTIONS
Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI
eyes of the ones left behind
“Shine a light, shine the light
“Shine the light, won’t you shine the light
“Philadelphia Freedom, I love ya
“Yes, I do”
John later said to King, “We don’t have to understand what the words mean.” To which she remarked, “It doesn’t matter. It’s the emotion of it.”
It was one of the few times that John decided that this release should be a stand-alone single and not an album track. (It would eventually show up on “Elton John’s Greatest Hits Volume II.”)
The resulting 45 was a perfectly crafted aural stew that included shout-along energy, augmented by instrumental music that included sweeping strings, energetic
horn-bursts, a bouncy baseline, and piercing guitar stabs, all of which were fueled by an infectious “thump” that helped to eventually bring disco into mainstream music.
Back then, radio music programmers constantly grumbled that the song had a too-long running time of 5:21, but what rockin’ station wasn’t going to play “Philadelphia Freedom”? Hmmn?
NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS
Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesterton, Merrillville & Hammond www.northshorehealth.org
By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349
Affordable dental care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare and Medicaid accepted. Discounted self-pay option.
Multiple locations throughout Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke and St. Joe Counties (888) 580-1060 healthlincchc.org
Providing quality medical, dental, optical, behavioral health, pharmacy, podiatry, chiropractic and much more.
A free online directory for aging & wellness resources. Our members offer a wide variety of services and information for your specific needs. www.agingconnections.org
Hover over Chapters on the navigation bar, then select your area and click directory.
Aging Connections is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization AGING & WELLNESS RESOURCES
BRIGHTSTAR CARE OF LAKE COUNTY 433 W. 84th Dr. Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 924-0200
www.brightstarcare.com/west-lake-county/ In-Home Nursing, Caregiving & Companionship
• Assist with personal & hygiene care
• Companion care
Skilled Nursing Care • Respite care & family relief
Transportation
Light housekeeping
Meal preparation • Available 24/7
WE ARE LICENSED, BONDED,
GOOD FRIENDS A friendship grew between Billie Jean King and Elton John and in the early 1975 he found a way of returning a favor to King for his custom tracksuit uniform. That was the creation of “Philadelphia Freedom.” King and John are shown with Helen Reddy in a photo from Facebook.
A Boomer Blast To The Past
HOME HEALTH CARE
VISITING ANGELS HOME CARE
2340 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 322-6100
www.visitingangels.com
Nationally respected, non medical, home care service. Providing CNA’s, HHA’s & Companion Care.
* Assist w/Hygiene
* Meal Preparation
* Medication Reminders
* Light Housekeeping
* Transportation
* Hourly, 24-hour Care & Overnight Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care / Palliative Care LICENSED * BONDED * INSURED
HOSPICE CARE
HEART TO HEART HOSPICE OF NORTHERN INDIANA
402 Wall Street, Suite 22
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 462-6529
Fax: (219) 462-9017
www.HTOHH.com
Compassionate care from our heart to yours. Volunteers needed.
CHAP Accredited
HOSPICE OF THE CALUMET AREA MUNSTER
www.hospicecalumet.org (219) 922-2732 / (219) 736-2422
• Serving Lake, Porter and Bordering Illinois Communities Since 1981
• Hospice Services Are Covered 100% For Patients Who Are Medicare Eligible
• Not-for-profit
• Care Provided In Your Home Or In Our Hospice House
UNITY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE
Serving Porter, Jasper & Newton Counties in Indiana. (219) 769-8648
Greater Illinois area (312) 427-6000 www.unityhospice.com
Family owned & operated hospice
Offering premier end-of-life care
For over 25 years at no cost to you, Because we care.
HOSPICE CARE
VNA HOSPICE NWI
501 Marquette St. Valparaiso, IN 46385
Additional Office In: Crown Point, IN (219) 462-5195 (219) 531-8181 Fax www.vnanwi.org
A not-for-profit organization for over 50 years. Accepts all hospice eligible patients, regardless of ability to pay. Veteran specialty hospice program. Serving Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, Newton and Starke Counties. Making Best Days Possible
See Our Ad In This Issue
MEALS ON WHEELS OF NORTHWEST INDIANA
8446 Virginia St., Merrillville, IN (219) 756-3663 www.mownwi.org
A non-profit nutrition provider offering
Chef Prepared Hot Lunches delivered daily (M-F). All meals are heart healthy & low sodium. Specialized diets are also available, as well as 5 or 7 packs of frozen meals.
Serving Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke & Pulaski counties.
NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesteron, Merrillville, Hammond, LaPorte & DeMotte
By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349
www.northshorehealth.org
Affordable medical and urgent care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance accepted. Discounted self-pay option.
MEDICAL RESORTS
2775 Village Point
Chesterton, IN (219) 304-6700
1555 S. Main Street Crown Point, IN (219) 323-8700 1532 Calumet Avenue Dyer, IN (219) 515-4700
www.ignitemedicalresorts.com
Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Stroke Recovery, Cardiac Care, Pulmonary Rehab, Wound Care, Infection Management, Renal Management
MEMORY CARE
AVIVA SENIOR LIVING 7900 Rhode Island St. Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 525-4123
avivamerrillville.com
• Free standing Memory Care
• Wearable Pendant System
• Care for Early to End Stage Alzheimer’s and Dementia
MOBILITY LIFTS
Revolutionizing Mobility & Accessibility Solutions
NWI Merrillville Office (219) 281-8621 101mobility.com/nwi Stay in the home you love. We can install a stairlift to get you safely up & down your stairs.
• 5 Star Rating • BBB A+ • Licensed, Bonded, & Insured
Scan & Explore
PAIN RELIEF
Revolutionizing Mobility & Accessibility Solutions
Revolutionizing Mobility & Accessibility Solutions
Stay in the home you love. We can install a stairlift to get you safely up & down your stairs.
Stay in the home you love. We can install a stairlift to get you safely up & down your stairs.
NWI Merrillville Office (219) 281-8621 101mobility.com/nwi
Ernie Chupp 26659 CR 54 Nappanee, IN 46550 (574) 773-9404
NWI Merrillville Office (219) 281-8621 101mobility.com/nwi
• 5 star rating
• 5 star rating
• BBB A+
• BBB A+
realredoxresults.com (password: redox) In Pain? Experience immediate, targeted relief and recovery. Relieves ailments like joint discomfort, kidney problems, depression, migraines, fatigue, cholesterol, allergies, auto-immune and more.
• Licensed, Bonded, & Insured
• Licensed, Bonded, & Insured
MEALS ON WHEELS OF NWI
Benton County landscape full of wind machines
Agriculture has been the backbone of Benton County since before it was established in 1840. Located on the Illinois line in north central Indiana, half way between Indianapolis and Chicago, the county has always been known for its corn, soybeans and wheat.
As of 2005, Benton County experienced the beginning of a new kind of farming when researchers determined it possessed another valuable resource. It had the highest sustained winds in northern
Indiana. They blow steadily through the county from the southwest from Boswell to Earl Park along Fowler Ridge. This discovery sparked the development of the state’s first utility-scale wind farm near the city of Goodland and has earned it the distinction of being the capital of Hoosier wind farming.
The Goodland project, which produces 130.5 megawatts of electricity, was just the tip of the iceberg. Then came the Benton County Wind Farm with 135 turbines, Fowler Ridge Wind Farm with 460 turbines, Hoosier Wind Farm with 106 turbines, and Fowler Ridge IV with 65 turbines.
There are wind turbines everywhere, 560 in all, with more on the drawing board. They’re visible from US 52 and US 41. Together, they produce 988
200 FEET TALL Each wind tower is supported on a base of 377 cubic yards of cement (33 truck loads) and 135 tons of steel reinforcing bars.
BLADE ART A 100-foot-long turbine blade on display in Fowler has become a favorite wall for local graffiti artists. Seeing it up close and personal gives visitors good perspective on overall size.
LANDSCAPE OF TOWERS Wind turbines dot the Benton County landscape with more scheduled to be erected. They can be seen from both US 52 and US 41. PRODUCING
What’s happening at your local library
Below are all the adult programs, events ad classes for the month of May at the Lake County Public Library
Cedar Lake 10010 W. 133rd Ave.
Crochet @ Your Library, 4:306:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 14, 21, 28
Book Discussion, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21
Registration required for all programs: visit \cplin.org/ branches/cl.htm or call (219) 374-7121.
Dyer-Schererville
1001 W. Lincoln Highway (US 30)
Crafters Gathering, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 15
Mahjong Open Play, 1-4 p.m. Friday, May 9, 23
All Ability: Cork Flowers, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13
Morning Mix, 10 a.m. to noon Friday, May 16
AARP Smart Driver Course, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 19
New Parent & Caregiver Meet Up, 11-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 27
Between the Lines Book Discussion, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Registration required for all programs: visit lcplin.org/ branches/ds.htm or call (219) 322-4731.
Griffith-Calumet
1215 E. 45th Ave.
Thursday Threaders, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday,
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Be Heart Smart Program Series, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 13, 20
Mystery Loves Company Book Discussion, 1-2 p.m. Monday, May 12
All Ability: Painting Spring Flowers, 6-7 p.m. Monday, May 19
All Ability: Gaming, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27
Registration required for all programs: visit lcplin.org/ branches/gr.htm or call (219) 838-2825.
Highland 2841 Jewett St. Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club, 3-4 p.m. Thursday, May 1
All Ability: Watercolor Bouquets, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14
Tech Class: Computer Basics, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 22
Fact or Fiction Book Club, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, May 27
Registration required for all programs: visit lcplin.org/ branches/hi.htm or call (219) 838-2394.
Hobart
100 Main St.
Stitch’n Time, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Whodunit? Adult Mystery Club, 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 12
Paint’n Time, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 13, 27
Revisiting Our Childhood: Perler Beads, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, May 19
Benton County
Continued from page 18
megawatts of electrical power, which is enough electricity to serve 265,000 homes.
Standing well above area grain storage silos and church steeples, they’re actually quite majestic with the sun glinting off their 100-foot-long blades. Though they appear to be turning slowly, the speed of the blades at the tip is approximately 120 miles per hour. Each turbine has its own weather station, can determine wind direction and change the angle of its blades to fit the conditions. Optimum wind speed is between nine and 56 miles per hour. They’re held erect on a concrete base, which require 377 cubic yards of cement and 135 tons of reinforcing bars.
According to the director of Benton County Economic Development, Latisha Provo, there initially were some people who were opposed to the invasion of the 162-foot-tall wind machines on the pristine landscape.
“Besides making Fowler a new tourism center,” she said, “the wind farms have been a big shot in the arm for local businesses serving workers during the developmental/construction stages and those who have stayed to maintain the machines. All of the area towns, school corporations and county governments have benefited, as have the residents from lower property taxes.”
”Yes,” Provo pointed out, “the turbines do make some noise,
Hobart Book Chat, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20
Registration required for all programs: visit lcplin.org/ branches/ho.htm or call (219) 942-2243.
Lake Station
2007 Central Ave.
Grown Up Trivia, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7
Hobby Hour, 2-4 p.m. Thursday, May 8
Tuesday Time Out, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 13
Mah Jongg Meet Up, 1-4 p.m. Friday, May 16
Knitting & Crochet Club, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 17
Craft and Chat, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 17
Bingo at the Library!, 3-4 p.m. Saturday, May 24
Registration required for all programs: visit lcplin.org/ branches/lsnc.htm or call (219) 962-2409.
Merrillville
1919 W. 81st Ave. (US 30)
English as a Second Language, 6-8 p.m. May 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 29
Keep Me In Stitches, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3
Citizenship Class, 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 28
Nutrition Education Program, 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 5
All Ability: Mother’s Day Cards, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 5
Caregivers & Coffee Hour, 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 6, 20
Writing Wednesday, 2-3 p.m. May 7, 21
but it’s basically a low hum that has simply become part of the ambient sound and is generally ignored.”
To schedule a tour, call (765) 884-2080, ext. 8153. A fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children/ students is charged for groups of more than 21. Groups under 20 persons pay a $75 flat fee. Tours are available from 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday
through Saturday or by appointment.
The hour-long tours include a video overview with questions and answers, a visit to an operating turbine and getting up close and personal with a 100-foot-long blade.
To get there, head toward US 52 on the west edge of the state, turn north and head right into Fowler.
Dungeons & Dragons for Adults, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7
Nutrition Education Program, 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 12
Circle of Readers Book Discussion, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 13
Be Heart Smart Program, 10 a.m. to noon May 14, 21
Caregivers & Coffee Hour, 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 14, 28
Monthly Resume Workshop, 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 14
Nutrition Education Program, 11 a.m. to noon Monday, May 19
Medicare Overview, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 20
Board Meeting, 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, May 22
Learn to Code with GameMaker, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 28
Genealogy Class: Making the Most of County Histories, 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Senior Planet Lecture Series: Managing Your Privacy Online, noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 30
Creative Arts Summit, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Registration required for all programs: visit lcplin.org/ branches/cnl.htm or call (219) 769-3541.
Munster
8701 Calumet Ave. Yoga & Breathing, 10-11 a.m. May 3, 17
Senior Planet: Introducción a la IA (Introduction to AI), 1-2:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 14
Munster Book Discussion, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22 Calumet Astronomical Society, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 27
Registration required for all programs: visit lcplin.org/ branches/mu.htm or call (219) 836-8450.
St. John
450 Wicker Ave. (US 41)
Water Safety Class, 10:3011:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1 Off the Hook, 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 14, 21, 28
Page Turners Book Discussion, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 14
Registration required for all programs; visit lcplin.org/ branches/sj.htm or call (219) 365-5379.
Indiana State Parks hiring lifeguards at Indiana Dunes
It’s nearly time to make a splash at Indiana State Parks, with public pools opening Memorial Day weekend, as well as the beach at Indiana Dunes State Park. Recruitment is underway to hire and certify lifeguards to support a safe environment while cooling off this summer.
“Lifeguarding is a great way to spend a summer and find out what working at an Indiana State Park is like,” said Brandt Baughman, deputy director for operations for the division, who began his DNR career as a lifeguard at Spring Mill State Park.
Lifeguards are being recruited for the beach at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Pools will be open on Saturday through Monday, May
24-26; Saturday and Sunday, May 31-June 1; and then will be open daily June 7 through Aug. 1. The beach at Indiana Dunes State Park will be open for swimming with lifeguards following this same schedule. Lifeguard positions are open to applicants 15 and older. Anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard, should contact the closest property to them to see if a certification course is available. Property phone numbers are listed at on.IN.gov/stateparks under “Find a park.” More information is at on.IN.gov/ dnr-lifeguard.
Beginning Aug. 1, pools and the beach at Indiana Dunes State Park will likely return to operating on weekends only, as lifeguards return to school.
Schererville man helps grow sport of pickleball
By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer
Five years ago, Ruben Soto of Schererville was doing a routine morning walk at the Hammond Sportsplex when he was approached by the general manager, who asked if he’d be interested in trying pickleball. Soto took him up on it and was instantly hooked and soon began looking for other places to play and people to play with.
“Eventually, I was playing regularly in weekly leagues, traveling to play in large tournaments, drilling and increasing my skill level,” said Soto.
“What I think is most fascinating about the sport is that it includes all ages and that someone’s age does not prevent them from competing at a high level against someone younger. The game involves a great amount of thinking, patience and strategy, all of which can be done without having to be the most athletic person on the court,” he said.
He now plays four to six days a week at his favorite spot, the Jean Shepherd Center in Hammond. He is one of the organizers of the 219Pickleball Club, which hosts leagues and tournaments at the center. It is a 12-court
dedicated indoor pickleball facility with a floor that has rubber underlayment, making it easier on legs and feet.
The creation of the pickleball facility is something Soto was excited to be involved in.
“The City of Hammond has done a great job of providing great recreational experiences for its residents and surrounding area. I was able to provide feedback and recommendations from my experiences playing at many different facilities all over the Midwest,” he explained. “I talked to them about the growth of the sport and the need for an indoor facility that could serve as the premier spot for pickleball enthusiasts all across the region.”
“We run daily open play, leagues and tournaments. We recently held the largest pickleball tournament ever done in Northern Indiana, which brought in players from all across the country. We even had players who came from as far as Paris, France,” he added.
Soto recommends the sport for all ages — and especially seniors.
“It’s great because it makes staying in shape fun. I think seniors especially fall in love with the game because it allows them to still compete physically.
It’s very socially engaging and there is something special about the game that I think our brains feed off of,” he explained. “Most people find it to very addicting once they start playing. I would say pickleball has one of the highest retention rates of any sport I’ve seen. Once people start they generally make it a part of their lives.”
Growing up in Hammond and attending Bishop Noll Institute, Soto was an athletic youth who played a variety of sports, but he had never played a racquet sport before.
“I always say I wish I would have known about this sport when I was younger,” he said. “However, while the game was invented in the late 60s, it did not go mainstream until Covid. I think during that time people were looking for things to do outside and pickleball was something that everyone of all ages could do.”
Soto has been a real estate broker for over 20 years serving Northwest Indiana.
“Real estate has been a passion of mine as well and I love talking about and sharing my experiences with others,” he said.
Married to his wife for 26 years, the couple are animal
HOOKED ON PICKLEBALL— Ruben Soto became hooked on pickleball. The Hammond real estate agent is now one of the organizers for the 219Pickleball Club, which hosts leagues and tournaments at the Jane Shepherd Center. The center is also Soto’s favorite place to play. Photo provided.
lovers who have four dogs. They recently hosted a fundraising “Paddles for Paws” tournament that raised over $2,000 for local shelters.
219Pickleball will host it’s next big event, “Picklemania Summer Slam” on June 21-22. Visit 219Pickleball.com for more information.
