Free Living Life After 50
Gabis volunteers key to operation of LIVIN G LABORATOR Y
Text and Photos
By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
With 300 acres of varied terrains, Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest has plenty of room for volunteers, with plenty of chores available. Fortunately, Gabis has a dedicated corps of volunteers lending their time and talents at the Valparaiso site.
Retirees Mark Pleitner of Valparaiso and Cory Gale of Crown Point spent part of this particular morning replacing the wood on a trailer. On other days, they might build shelving, remove invasive plant life, work on picnic tables, paint indoor artwork for children’s playhouses or assist at the center’s Acorn Concert Series.
A retired machinist, Pleitner noted, “I like the different projects. I like working on things to make them better.”
Retired from commercial printing, Gale just likes being outdoors.
“I enjoy coming out here and seeing the diversity of projects,” said Gale, who also leads golf cart tours around Continued on page 2
CARPENTRY WORK Volunteers Mark Pleitner, left, and Cory Gale replace wood on a trailer at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest in Valparaiso. Volunteers perform a variety of tasks at Gabis, including carpentry, gardening and leading tours.
TIME TO WEED Master Gardeners Carol Cooper, left, and Deb Sarver pull weeds from the rose garden at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest in Valparaiso. The two women are among 4050 volunteers who donate their time annually at the arboretum.
NATURE VOLUNTEER Dave Cooper of Wheatfield pulls weeds from the rose garden at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest in Valparaiso. Cooper has also graded roads, worked in other gardens, painted and assisted at Gabis outdoor concerts.
SSCVA Sports Director works to grow sports tourism in region
By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer
Jimmy Nelson is finishing up his third year with the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. He started as director of visitor services, leading the front desk, gift shop, kitchen, theater, exhibit hall and tour mobile and currently serves as director of sports.
Moving into the role seemed a natural fit as Nelson has been officiating basketball since 1992, with a focus on high school varsity basketball since 2010. “I did some high school and collegiate coaching in between,” he said. “My officiating schedule takes me everywhere from Northwest Indiana to South Bend to Indianapolis. I love basketball and this is my way of giving back to the great game. Each game is an exhilarating challenge.”
He’s happy to have taken on this role in the place he was raised and has chosen to make his home. “Northwest Indiana has been my home my entire life,” he said. “The region is filled with remarkable people, past and present. I just hope to help make a difference and add some joy to the region.”
His current role involves establishing and maintaining relationships within the sports tourism industry. “And, of course, when an event is successful and I see the joy in the faces of our youth, the spectators and the event owners, that makes it all worthwhile.”
Sports tourism has seen tremendous growth in recent years, Nelson said. “The sports tourism industry has been furiously growing over the years. It survived COVID and in the last few years has been on a trajectory that doesn’t seem to be slowing at all. Communities everywhere are realizing this and investing in new or existing sports venues that can accommodate tournaments in various sports,” he explained. “When traveling families stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores, enjoy our attractions and events, our economy thrives.”
The sports scene in Northwest Indiana has responded to the growing demand. “It is alive and well,” said Nelson. “You can find amateur sports leagues and tournaments in many communities at the various sports complexes around. One sports complex has the most indoor basketball courts under one roof in the Midwest.
Gabis volunteers
Continued from page 1
the seven miles of trails at Gabis.
Leslie Kiser, visitor services and volunteer coordinator at Gabis, estimated 40-50 active volunteers annually. Some, depending on their schedules and interests, may rack up hundreds of service hours. In all, they add up to 4,000 volunteer hours each year.
Sarah Reed, director of the arboretum, kept adding to the list of all the things Gabis volunteers do. In some cases, she said, volunteers used wood from the grounds to make shelving. Others make stepping stones placed around the facility.
“Our volunteers are fantas-
tic,” Reed said. “They bring a lot of skills and knowledge they’ve gained over their careers. They bring their skills and wonderful personalities.”
She added, “We could not be here without our volunteers.”
Volunteers are considered the heart of Gabis’ operation. Volunteer service includes care of the grounds, education and outreach, gardening and other support services.
Reed also said, “There’s something for everyone here. It’s great that these volunteers share their talents with us.”
A self-supporting entity with additional support from PNW, Ga-
Another complex boasts seven softball/baseball fields with turf infields. We have indoor and outdoor ice hockey, and indoor and outdoor pickleball, bowling, gymnastics, and so much more … And let’s not forget we have a professional baseball team with an amazing stadium, too.”
He also appreciates the dedication of his coworkers at the SSCVA.
“My coworkers are amazing people that are amazing at their jobs and we make a terrific team,” he said. “Together, we hope to shine the positive light on Northwest Indiana with all the wonderful events, attractions and businesses in the region.”
Nelson has worked with a variety of sporting events in the region. “We host the NSA Northern World Series for girls fastpitch softball. South Shore also operates one of only two NCAA Division II football bowl games in the country, called America’s Crossroads Bowl, played at Hobart High School in early December, which features teams from two NCAA Division II conferences. We have sponsored and/or assisted for years with Leon’s Triathlon and the PBA50,” he said.
“We also assist with the coun-
bis Arboretum serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation and engagement with nature. Its landscape includes a restored prairie, gardens, wetlands and miles of hiking trails through woodlands.
The arboretum also features a railway garden, a huge outdoor series of train sets depicting the cultural and business development of Northwest Indiana.
Valparaiso resident Amy Carmody is a relatively new volunteer, having started earlier this year. Not only does she help weed gardens, she’s “adopted” a garden space where she plans to raise native plants.
try’s largest college volleyball tournament that includes 38 teams from 3 NCAA Division II conferences, the Midwest Region Crossover Volleyball Tournament. But the region has so much more, from pickleball to whiffle ball. From Pop Warner and 7 v. 7 football to soccer and lacrosse. Volleyball, basketball, softball and
baseball will continue to thrive here.”
As a self-described “sports junkie,” Nelson is a fan of all sports and can be found channel surfing to view obscure competitions. He and his wife have been married 17 years, they have three children and they enjoy traveling to National Parks.
tic volunteers, fantastic staff.”
Reed said the staff is trying to make the gardens more efficient. That includes working on ground cover. This summer, teams of Master Gardeners will share their talents at Gabis.
“Our team is small but mighty,” Reed said.
That volunteer team includes Dave and Carol Cooper of Wheatfield and Deb Sarver. They were working in the rose garden, pulling weeds.
“It gets me out of the house,” Dave Cooper said. “Plus, they appreciate the work you do.”
His wife considers gardening part of “mental health.”
Sarver, who like Carmody and Carol Cooper is a Master Gardener, commented, “When I work, I look back and can see what I’ve accomplished.”
Volunteers work under Gabis staff supervision, who can come in handy, Sarver noted.
“This is also educational,” she said, “because we learn which plants to pull or not pull.”
Those interested in volunteering at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest may contact Leslie Kiser at (219) 989-8487 or email gabisarboretum@pnw.edu.
“I love it — it’s beautiful working here,” Carmody said. “Fantas-
ORIGINAL ARTWORK — This fish and dragonfly are samples of artwork donated by volunteers at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest in Valparaiso. This artwork appears at sites around the 300-acre nature preserve.
SPORTS DIRECTOR SSCVA Sports Director Jimmy Nelson has seen a lot of growth in sports tourism and says athletics will continue to thrive. Photo provided by Jimmy Nelson.
Social Security and scam awareness
By DANIEL SUMMER, MA Public Affairs Specialist
Social Security Administration
Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond.
We will never:
• Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification.
• Suspend your Social Security number.
Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
• Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail.
Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
CORPORATE OFFICE
Mail or email “official” letters or reports containing your personal information.
We only send text messages in limited situations, including:
• When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
• As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.
If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record or have requested a phone call from the agency.
If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.
We encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to
advises if you receive a suspicious letter, text, email or call, do not respond. To learn more about scams visit ssa.gov/scam.
the OIG’s website at oig.ssa. gov/report. You can find more information about scams at ssa.gov/scam. Please share this
Blast to the Past! —
‘At Seventeen’ resuscitated
Janis Ian
information with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.
Ian’s career
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At 74, Janis Ian has built a career on just two hit songs whose inspirations had come about under the most ordinary of circumstances.
Born
Janis Eddy Fink in New Jersey, Ian mastered the acoustic guitar as a young girl and began
pursuing dreams of becoming a folk singer. At age 12, she composed her first tune, the
haunting “Hair of Spun Gold.”
A short time later, while riding her middle-school bus, Ian noticed a young interracial couple. The result of that observation led to the creation of her debut recording of the controversial “Society’s Child (Baby I’ve Been Thinking).”
The 1960s was bringing numerous changes to American society, and Ian’s 1967 tune about an interracial teen romance caused an upheaval in certain circles. She received hate mail and death threats, as did some disc jockeys who dared to spin her hit Verve Records disc on their turntables.
Ian’s heady days of success proved short-lived, though. The next several years saw her battling depression, substance abuse, and a manager who ran off with all her earnings. But along the way she continued to release quality works of brutal honesty, soldiering on before appreciative but dwindling concert audiences. Discouraged at times, she briefly contemplated becoming a veterinarian.
By the mid-1970s, Ian was living with her mother and
Continued on page 9
JANIS IAN
A Boomer Blast To The Past
By RANDAL C. HILL
Medical firm didn’t know how to bill
By WOODROW WILCOX Senior Problem Resolution Officer Senior Care
Services
On June 5, 2025, I wrote a letter to a medical firm that wrongly billed one of our clients who lives in Crown Point.
With some editing to protect privacy, here is the letter that I sent to the medical firm:
“Our client sent to our firm two bills from your firm for our review. One bill was dated 4/15/25 and one was dated 5/20/25.
I read the bills and concluded that someone in your billing department made some mistakes. Maybe someone was tired at the time or someone needs to be retrained. Let me
tell you about the discrepancies that I found.
On the 4/15/25 bill there were two dates of service of 2/16/25 and 3/26/25. On the 5/20/25 bill there was only one date of service of 3/26/25.
The tip-off to me that you were doing something wrong was that the bill for 3/26/25 was different on the 4/15/25 bill from the same services listed on the 5/20/25 bill.
It seems to me that on each entry, you forgot to subtract the Medicare adjustment on each claim. The Medicare adjustment is the discount for your services that Medicare requires you to give the patient in order to work with Medicare. The Medicare adjustment is listed on the Explanation of Benefits that your firm gets from Medicare. The client would get the same information on the Medicare Summary Notice that she gets once every three months. Please, correct your errors and show a balance of zero for our client. It would avoid a lot of work for me to prove that I am correct on this and consider helping the client file a complaint against your firm for failing to follow Medicare rules. By the way, your firm is probably making the same error with your other clients.
So, those bills should be fixed to avoid running afoul of Medicare rules, too.”
All the help that I am giving this client is free of charge. This insurance agency helps all our clients with Medicare-related medical bill problems without charge. It is our
way of demonstrating to our clients that we really do care about them. If your insurance agent or agency does not give this high level of customer service, why don’t you switch to a firm that does? Our agency does.
Woodrow Wilcox is the senior medical bill case worker at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville. He has saved clients of that firm over $3,000,000 by fighting mistakes and fraud in the Medicare system. Also, Wilcox wrote the book “SOLVING MEDICARE PROBLEM$” which is available through book stores or online.
Shirley Heinze Land Trust partners to host ‘Nature in the Arts’
Shirley Heinze Land Trust invites the public to participate in art activities and guided hikes at a free, all-ages event through the Nature in the Arts program, which encourages community members to connect with art and nature. The event, “Printmaking and Plein Air,” will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve, 25898 US 20, South Bend.
Attendees will learn why Lydick Bog is important, as well as the varieties of plant, amphibian and reptile species that can be found at this unique location. South Bend Museum of Art will help attendees make a multimedia print inspired by the surrounding nature. Northern Indiana Pastel Society will demonstrate how the outdoor
landscape can spark creativity through an introductory plein air painting workshop.
“Nature in the Arts is a truly special program that allows people to connect with nature in ways that they otherwise may not have thought to,” Kris Krouse, executive director of Shirley Heinze Land Trust, said. “Every year, we look forward to the opportunity to share education about the nature around us, particularly the preserves we protect and to strengthen our partnerships with local organizations through these activities.”
Guests are invited to take guided walks through Lydick Bog, led by Shirley Heinze Land Trust staff and volunteers, and to enjoy live music from local artist, Christopher Lods and friends. Food and beverages will
be available for purchase from the A Bite With Mee food truck and Cloud Walking Coffee.
Parking, accessible outdoor restrooms and water will be available. For more information, contact Deputy Director Bridget Harrison at (219) 242-8558 or email bharrison@heinzetrust. org.
Nature in the Arts is a series of events combining the outdoors with hands-on experience for all ages at Shirley Heinze Land Trust nature preserves across northwestern Indiana. Nature in the Arts activities are made possible in part by South Shore Arts, Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Visit heinzetrust.org/naturein-the-arts to learn more.
Text and Photos By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
An artisan is defined as a worker in a
especially one that involves
Jessie Howe appreciates being called an artisan, but she prefers calling herself an artist.
“I’m an artist, but thanks for calling me an artisan,” the Portage woman said. “I work in a lot of media.”
Some of that media is on display regularly at public shows, including the Chesterton European Market. She displays original artwork, necklaces, garden terraria, ornaments, crystals, bookends, and, with help from boyfriend Brian Hirschbine, gnomes.
The two operate an art studio and gift shop in Valparaiso named The Adventures of
Jessie and the Grumpy Gnome. The latter refers to her boyfriend.
This is a busy season for Howe, who takes to shows four days a week. That includes dates in Valparaiso and twice weekly in New Buffalo, Mich.
Howe’s interest in unique art started several years ago when she started attending shows, including crystals, around the country.
“That turned on a light in me and inspired me,” Howe recalled.
She loves working on all sorts of creatures, fairies to hang on doors, and bookends.
“I do them to inspire others,” Howe said.
Additional inspiration came from seeing German and Austrian culture firsthand, especially with garden trolls and masks.
In her fourth season at the
ART ON DISPLAY Jessie Howe of Portage stands beside her booth at the Chesterton European Market. She and boyfriend, Brian Hirschbine, display their artwork at shows in Chesterton, Valparaiso and New Buffalo, Mich.
Chesterton market, Howe noted, “I enjoy meeting the people. I’m able to share my passion. I see a lot of familiar faces, but I meet new people, and I hope to inspire their imaginations.”
Now in its 22nd season, the Chesterton European Market continues Saturdays through the end of October. Located in downtown Chesterton and sponsored by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce, the market features artisan foods, crafts and goods, clothing and accessories, handcrafted jewelry and music.
The market also promotes community engagement by supporting local farmers and merchants.
“I love the people and the other vendors,” Howe said of the Chesterton market.
As people pass by her booth, Howe said tastes and interests vary, as do her skills. She is also a professional artist in Chicago, working on sets for DePaul University and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
With a busy schedule, Howe admits it’s a challenge “just finding time. I’m out so much, I just need to find time.”
Still, she adds, “I love creatContinued on page 8
es, at several area shows.
ARTIST AT WORK Jessie Howe of Portage makes a necklace at her booth at the Chesterton European Market. Howe and her boyfriend display their wares, including crystals and other piec-
Portage man relaxes, keeps active with long-distance and mountain bike trail rides
By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer
When his kids were young, Jamie Owens found something that his son was interested in was something he also enjoyed — bicycling, especially mountain biking.
“Back then we only had one local trail and it was in Westville,” he said.
Cycling has grown in popularity since then, with additional local mountain bike and paved trails being added in the area. He got so involved in the hobby he even did some races.
About 25 years ago, he and a group of fellow mountain bike enthusiasts established the Outback Trail Commission and worked with the Portage Parks Department to develop the Outback Trail at Imagination Glen, a city park in Portage. The commission members donated their labor to build the trail, with some donations of materials from the parks department. The trail totals about 13 miles and includes some small bridges with a three-mile beginner loop on the west side of Salt Creek and approximately 10 more miles on the east side of the creek. Today the group continues to maintain the trails, which includes cutting down weeds, with an active group of 8 to 10. The group does some fundraising for the 501(c)(3) organization, the largest of which is the Trail Run Extreme, a 12K foot race at Imagination Glen where they help promote the race, clean up the trail, station people at the creek crossings and do water stops with some of the proceeds going to the commission.
Owens typically rides three to four times a week, depending on the weather. He does both group rides and solo rides. On Wednesday nights he participates in a group bike ride at Imagination Glen in Portage and on Tuesday nights at Creekside Trail in Valparaiso. “Anyone is welcome at these rides,” he said. “If they show up with a bike and helmet and are new, we’ll break them in and show them the trail.”
He said oftentimes almost everyone he rides with is over 50 with some over age 70. When he goes out to ride solo, he said it’s something that relaxes him and gives him a sense of peace. He usually rides at least 20 miles and often up to 40 miles on paved trails. Last year when he turned 65, he did a 65-mile ride.
“I started doing longer rides
over 30 miles about a year ago after losing my wife,” he said. “It was a good way to learn my head and relax.”
He’s made good friends through his riding groups and some of his friends added a bench at Imagination Glen in his wife’s memory that reads “Be Brave, Be Kind, Be Bonnie.”
Meeting new people is what Owens enjoys most about biking.
“You can really meet some nice people when out on a bike,” he said.
He also recommends riding as a good activity for seniors.
“Bike path biking is good for seniors. It is low impact and you get some good cardio,” he said. “Mountain biking is
tougher and more dangerous, but I ride with guys older than me and I’m 65.”
In the off-season when the weather isn’t conducive to riding, Owens enjoys hiking. He is retired from U.S. Steel and is the father of three — two sons and a daughter. He also has a granddaughter and a grandson, who he has been introducing to mountain biking. Besides volunteering with The Outback Trail Commission, he helps with a nonprofit in Miller called Build-A-Bike to repurpose bikes to give away to those in need.
He encourages those of all ages to take up cycling and offers simple advice to stay safe. “Wear a helmet and pay attention on the trails.”
TRAILBLAZING Jamie Owens explores a new bike trail, the Musketawa State Trail, while in Muskegon, Michigan. Photo provided by Jamie Owens.
Fountain View Apartments —
Don’t worry if the grass is growing!
By PATRICIA J. EVANKO Fountain View Apartments
Well, it’s time to sharpen the mower blades on the lawn mower. That grass is starting to grow! Let’s get those paint cans mixed up, too, the windows need to be painted and caulked. Maybe you might need to reshingle the roof. Check the rungs on the ladder to make sure they will hold your weight. Do we need a new stove? Is the refrigerator sounding like a loud band performance?
Are we getting too old for all this work? Yes! Yes! There is a solution! Come live with us at the Fountain View Apartments.
We do all that work and we fix refrigerators.
Fountain View Apartments is located in Crown Point. The west end of the property is just off of 96th Avenue and Merrillville Road. The complex is comprised of 191 apartments in nine buildings, situated on 12 acres of lovely, landscaped grounds.
Fountain View is a senior community, a community for older adults. We cater to the 55 and older individual who still intends to be independent and active — someone not ready for the retirement home. We provide for a quiet, well-maintained, secure community. We rent to older adults 55 and old-
er, good neighbors, good friends and wonderful people.
We provide a cost-affordable lifestyle, offering one bedroom for $1,200 per month and two bedroom apartments for $1,300. We are continually remodeling our apartment homes with vinyl plank flooring, mosaic back splashes, stainless steel appliances and new bathrooms. We have gardens to plant and friends to meet. We just need you.
Our model and management office is on the grounds, at 9614 Dona Court, Crown Point. Our office is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and we are always available appointment at any
APARTMENT LIVING
time. Call us at (219) 663-8228 for the details. We would love to hear from you and we want you to come live with us!
Continued from page 6
Howe
In addition to shows around the
Howe has also mined for copper in the
She also communicates with people around the world.
Working in a variety of media, Howe said she takes her
time to appreciate each work.
A piece is really good, she said, when “you feel it’s complete — that’s what it needs to be. I like to give myself a couple days.”
Through her art, Howe has also learned the value of patience.
“My work has given me patience and a sense of timeless space,” she said. “It’s given me the freedom to be immersed in my work.”
A self-confessed night owl, Howl noted, “I have a creative mind. A lot of what I do, it happens overnight.”
NO PLACE LIKE GNOME
These gnome heads are among the more unique items Jessie Howe and boyfriend, Brian Hirschbine, display at shows in Chesterton, Valparaiso and New Buffalo, Mich.
VARIETY OF ART This is a sampling of the items Jessie Howe puts on display at the Chesterton European Market. They include shells, crystals, necklaces, bookends, garden terraria and gnomes.
WAITING FOR YOU Fountain View Apartments caters to adults 55 and older. call (219) 663-8228 for further information. Photo provided by Pat Evanko.
God and golf are at center of Crown Point woman’s life
By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer
Susan Grubnich’s deep faith stems back to her upbringing in the Serbian Orthodox Church. Raised in Canton, Ohio, she and her sisters were very athletic and participated in the Serbian National Federation athletic programs. While attending a basketball tournament in Chicago, she met her husband, Pete.
Pete’s parents had immigrated to Gary in the early 1950s and he was raised there. After dating for a couple of years, Susan began working for a company that transferred her to Chicago and the couple was married in 1988.
She’s carried with her throughout her life the traditions and social engagement that comes along with being part of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The couple are members of St. Elijah in Merrillville, where they are leaders and involved volunteers.
Grubnich, of Crown Point, has been involved with the church board in most capacities, including KOLO women’s auxiliary, a group that takes care of the church structure and parish home, and hosts and implements events and celebrations. She’s been involved in every aspect of Sunday School, especially when her children were attending, and Folklore, a cultural dancing group.
She currently also has a role serving as a coordinator of the St. Elijah Event Center and picnic grounds, keeping everything updated and cleaned as it is used for church functions and rented out for weddings and social events.
“Something that has given me the most satisfaction is that it is such a family-oriented church,” said Grubnich.
She also enjoys the social aspect of volunteering there. “I
‘At Seventeen’
Continued from page 4
writing a song a day, all to no avail. It was then that another ordinary-seeming moment changed her life.
“One day, I was sitting at the dining table, reading the New York Times magazine,” Ian recalled later. “There was an article about a woman who had thought her life would change and be perfect when she had her debutante ball. The first line was ‘I learned the truth at 18.’ ”
There it was — the idea for her next composition, and one that would resuscitate her faltering career.
During high school, she may have been the hip artist heard on Top 40 radio, but as a student she never experienced a homecoming or a prom or a party or even a date to the movies.
Ian spent three months writing “At Seventeen.” (The phrase flowed better than “At Eighteen.”)
“I learned the truth at 17
“That love was meant for beauty queens
“And high-school girls with clear-skinned smiles
“Who married young and then retired
“The Valentines I never knew
“The Friday night charades of youth
“Were spent on one more beautiful
“At 17 I learned the truth
“It was long and far away
“The world was younger than today
“When dreams were all they gave for free
“To ugly duckling girls like me.”
In time, her Columbia Records single became a million-seller, as did the album from which it came: “Between
get to work side by side with parishioners and families that have resulted in decades-long friendships and Kumstvo. I love that every age and generation are involved in our services and I get to spend time with my family,” she said.
Grubnich cited the literal definition of Orthodoxy translating to “true belief.” “That belief has helped me in all aspects of my life in my trust and loyalty to God,” she said. “It’s
the Lines.” Later in 1975, Janis performed her anthem of angst on the first “Saturday Night Live.”
Eventually, she received a Grammy award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her iconic offering.
Thought: One must consider the idea that ugly ducklings become beautiful swans, so there is potentially hope for all of us.
given me confidence in what I do and why I do for others. It’s what I believe is best for me and the people I love.”
Beyond church, golf is a huge passion for Grubnich and her entire family. She comes from a golfing family with a father who played in the U.S. Open in 1947, an aunt who won the Ohio State Amateur three times (the final time at age 55) and a son who won the 2014 Indiana Amateaur Championship. She and her husband are both avid golfers and the family often plays together, including a 3-year-old grandson.
She is currently a board member of the Chicago Women’s District Golf Association and the south section chairperson. It’s a volunteer position where she helps to run tournaments for women’s golf, giving amateur players an opportunity to compete beyond college.
“I’ve been able to give back that way to a game that has given
me so much,” she said.
Retired from Mac Medical Supply Company in cardiac monitoring and hospital supply sales, she still does consulting for the company and relishes her role as Baba (grandmother).
Her husband, Pete, is a recently retired dentist. “He’s wonderful. We’ve been able to approach all these aspects of our life as a team with many things in common, including church and golf,” she said. “He’s been a great partner for me, supportive and loving and working together for a common mission.”
The couple has been married for 37 years and they have a son, daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons, age 3 and 1.
“I’ve been extremely blessed and I’m very grateful. I think your best expression of gratitude is to be able to give back and do for others, Hvala Bogu!” she said.
DEVOTED Susan Grubnich finds fulfillment in her Serbian Orthodox church and playing golf with her family. Pictured from left are Pete Grubnich, Clare Jurkovic holding Luka Jurkovic, Brian Jurkovic
holding Vuk Jurkovic, Susan Grubnich and Nicholas Grubnich. Photo provided by Susan Grubnich.
Dining/Leisure/Entertainment
70s Flashback —
Alice never gave up
The year was 1971.
By RANDAL C. HILL
The setting was 12900 Mulholland Drive in Beverly Hills. Inside the spacious abode lived actor Marlon Brando and his secretary/assistant Alice Marchak. At the time, Brando was deep in debt, overweight, addicted to Valium, looking at his third divorce, and determined never to act again.
No matter. Nobody in Tinseltown was looking to hire him anyway. At one time the well-respected darling of stage and screen, Brando had earned an Oscar for his performance in 1954’s “On the Waterfront.” But the Omaha-born actor hadn’t been in a hit movie since the late 50s, and over the years he had become anathema to Hollywood’s moguls because of his tyrannical and unreliable behavior.
In 1969, crime writer Mario Puzo had published the best-selling Mafia-themed
book “The Godfather.” Now, two years later, Paramount Pictures announced its production as a feature film.
Puzo told Paramount that he had only Marlon Brando in mind as Vito Corleone, the biggerthan-life don of a powerful Mafia clan. Paramount’s honchos harrumphed that there was no way they would consider using the washed-up pariah, leaning instead toward either Ernest Borgnine or Charles Bronson.
Puzo penned a note to the iconic actor, which read, “Dear Mr. Brando. I wrote a book called “The Godfather,” which has had some success, and I think you’re the only actor who can play the Godfather with that quiet force and irony the part requires.”
When the note arrived, Marchak put it on Marlon’s bedside table without comment. Brando soon phoned Puzo to thank him but expressed no interest in the role.
Marchak knew it would be a struggle to get Brando back in the game — or if anybody would even want him if he did.
She subscribed to the Hollywood Reporter to track potential roles for her boss. Rather than express gratitude, though, the touchy thespian flew into a rage and roared, “This is my house, and I will not have anyone bring-
ing movie magazines into it!” Marchak drew a deep breath and persevered in silence.
Puzo mailed Brando a copy of “The Godfather,” hoping to convince Brando to take the role. The response: “I’m not a Mafia godfather. I’m not going to glorify the Mafia.” But when Marchak read the book, she later recalled, “I just knew this was for Marlon.”
Marchak’s breakthrough arrived when she told Brando that Paramount was now considering Laurence Olivier to portray Vito. Brando’s reaction was immediate: “He can’t play a Mafia don!” Suddenly, for whatever reason, Brando found inspiration in the burly Corleone character.
Brando darkened his blonde locks with shoe polish, added a mustache with the same polish, and stuffed tissues in his cheeks before assuming a speaking voice of mumbled gravel.
When Coppola insisted that Brando deserved the film’s plum role, Paramount folks reluctantly signed Brando for a relatively low salary.
“The Godfather” became one of the biggest movie hits ever, and Marlon Brando won his second Best Actor Academy Award (which, always the maverick, he refused).
Congratulations to Alice Marchak!
We are dating ourselves
Mary Ellen and I were relaxing on our backyard deck one evening. After swatting a few mosquitoes, I said, “you know, sweetheart, we should look into screening the porch.”
By
DICK WOLFSIE
“Yes, Dick, you’ve been saying that every year for the past five years.”
A few minutes later, I mentioned how quickly the summer passes once the July 4th weekend is over.
“I know, you say that every year around this time.”
I also remarked that the neighbors don’t grill out as often as we do. Apparently, I had made this observation before. Several times.
Suddenly, I felt this great pressure. After 45 years, I didn’t have a single new thought to offer. I take great pride in my creativity, but clearly, I was no longer snappy with the repartee. Several moments of uneasy silence followed. Mary Ellen finally spoke.
“When it gets this hot, I think about cutting my hair shorter.”
“Where have I heard that before?” I asked.
“Like every time we sit outside.”
At that moment, we both realized we needed a way to jazz up our conversations. Mary Ellen had an idea: “I read this article in the doctor’s office…”
I’ve seen some of those covers of Cosmopolitan, and I was just praying that was where she saw it. Phooey, it was from Good Housekeeping. Mary Ellen said the writer recommended that long-time married couples should pretend they are going out on a first date. That would make for an exciting and potentially romantic evening.
It was an old idea, but I agreed it was worth a try. So,
on Friday night I asked Mary Ellen out on a date. She was annoyed because I waited until the last minute, assuming she didn’t already have Saturday night plans. To be really suave, I went outside the house Saturday night and rang the doorbell, like it was a real date. I thought that would make a big impression on her, but she’s no dummy and realized I had simply forgotten my keys.
We drove off in the car. “What shall we talk about tonight, Dick?”
“If this were a first date, we’d probably chat about movies we have seen.”
“Okay, great idea. I just saw the new ‘Mission: Impossible’ movie.”
“I saw that, too.”
“I know, Dick, we saw it together. We were sitting right next to each other in the theater.”
“Gone to any good restaurants lately, Mary Ellen?”
“No, my husband likes to go to the same places all the time.”
“Mary Ellen, you are not supposed to have a husband. This is a first date. What kind of a jerk do you think I am, going out with a married woman? Let’s try travel. Have you ever been to Iceland?”
“We went last year. How could you forget?”
“I didn’t forget. I’m making conversation. That was the whole point of this.”
“Well, it’s getting too weird for me. I feel like I’m dating a man who’s lost his memory.”
We tried everything that people would chat about when getting to know each other: music, religion and politics. Honestly, we didn’t hit it off, but there must have been something brewing on some level because despite a dismal first date, we both ended up back at my place.
Save money in the kitchen
By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features
Make use of that overripe fruit by freezing it in small bundles or on a baking sheet and, when solid, storing it in freezer bags.
Then use it to make smoothies or flavor for other drinks.
To deflate those puffy red eyes, place a cooled used tea bag over each eye.
While most of us know you can make a salad by simply adding oil and vinegar, you can make more flavorful dressings just as easily.
For balsamic vinaigrette, combine a pinch of salt and pepper with two teaspoons of Dijon mustard, and one minced clove of garlic with 1/3 a cup of balsamic vinegar, then whisk this mixture slowly into a half cup of olive oil.
Mature Life Features Copyright 2025
AN EARLY PHOTO Shown is Marlon Brando, Jules Dassin and Alice Marchak at the Acropolis. Photo from Instagram.
NUTSHELL
BACK TO SCHOOL
ACROSS
1. Soothing concoction
5. *The Magic School ride
8. Mama’s husband
12. Dwarf buffalo
13. Moneyed one
14. “M*A*S*H” extra
15. Soon, to Shakespeare
16. Sheltered, nautically
17. *Abacus user, e.g.
18. *School jacket-wearer
20. TV classic “Happy ____”
21. What hoarders do
22. Speech-preventing measure
23. *Pencil end
26. Deep regret
30. Indian restaurant staple
31. What cobblers often do
34. Mother Earth, to Ancient Greeks
35. Embedded design
37. ___ Khan
38. Contending
39. *Don’t forget to cross them
40. Plural of flora
42. Rolodex abbr.
43. Sultry or carnal
45. *Rydell High School movie
47. Defensive one on the gridiron
48. Oodles
50. *Some PTA members?
52. *It involves elements
56. Cuban dance
57. Burkina Faso neighbor
58. Opera solo
59. Boot-shaped European country
60. Oil org.
61. Review a service
62. Say “No!”
63. Animal’s nose
64. Perceives with an eye
DOWN
1. Jezebel’s idol
2. Beheaded Boleyn
3. Plunder
4. Certain rays
5. Plural of #1
Across
6. Part of an eye, pl.
7. Witnessed 8. *Field of education
9. ____ Walker, American Girl doll
10. *Inspiration for circular charts, pl. 11. Acronym, abbr.
13. Zimbabwe’s capital
14. Address to a woman
19. Nail salon file
22. Toothpaste type
23. *Marks in English
24. Hindu queen
25. “Hannah and Her Sisters” director
26. End of line
27. Yogurt-based dip
28. *Opposite side over hypotenuse, pl.
29. Bald symbol
32. *____ monitor
33. Bigheadedness
36. *All-school get-together
38. Giuseppe ____ of opera fame
40. Temporary craze
41. Parthenogenetic
44. Recant or retract
46. *English homework, pl.
48. *Circle, e.g.
49. Paparazzi’s target
50. Remote control
option
51. Middle Eastern sultanate
52. “Follow me!”
teaspoon or two of hot sauce will do the trick. Pair it with anything hot off the grill or pack it up for a picnic. It can also easily translate from a side dish to an entree by adding a can of flaked tuna or shredded chicken.
7 servings; Active 20 min.; Total Time 30 min.
INGREDIENTS:
8 ounces whole-wheat rotini
1/3 cup sour cream or whole-milk plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons pickle juice from the jar
1-3 teaspoons hot sauce, such as Frank’s 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
DIRECTIONS:
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
53. Genealogy plant
54. Agitate
55. Puppy barks
56. Antonym of keep
Meanwhile, whisk sour cream (or yogurt), mayonnaise, pickle juice, hot sauce to taste, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add celery, bell pepper, pickles, onion, dill and the cooked pasta. Toss to coat well. Let stand for at least 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, before serving.
Chicago Blackhawks mascot to soar into UW Day of Caring
United Way Northwest Indiana is bringing the energy, the action and one of the Region’s most beloved mascots, Tommy Hawk of the Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Club, to the highly anticipated return of Day of Caring on Friday, Aug. 1.
Presented by NIPSCO and sponsored by The Times Media Company, MAAC Foundation and First Merchants Bank, this year’s Day of Caring is more than a volunteer event — it is a community-led movement of compassion, unity and service. With over 700 volunteers already signed up to tackle 70+ high-impact projects across Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton and Starke Counties, momentum is building for an unforgettable day.
And now, thanks to long time United Way supporters, Deb and Al Spajer, Tommy Hawk, a recent NHL Mascot of the Year, will make a special appearance at the Day of Caring kickoff breakfast, taking place at Avalon Manor in Merrillville from 8-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1.
“This is more than just giving back — it’s about building up our entire community,” said Chris White, president and CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “With the
support of partners like NIPSCO, and the enthusiasm of 700+ volunteers, we’re ready to make a serious impact — and having Tommy Hawk join us takes the excitement to a whole new level!”
“Deb and I have always supported United Way because we believe in the work we do to lift up our communities,” said Al Spajer. “Bringing Tommy Hawk to Day of Caring is a major way we can help to add big energy to the incredible impact being made. This event reflects the best of what Northwest Indiana can be — neighbors helping neighbors.”
A Day To Make A Difference
The day will kick off at 8 a.m. with an energizing and inspirational breakfast at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, featuring a live DJ, T-shirt distribution and now, Tom-
my Hawk from the Chicago Blackhawks. From there, volunteers will head to project sites throughout the Region, supported by United Way staff and team leaders.
Volunteers will help beautify, improve and strengthen organizations and project sites all throughout our Region. Whether it is painting a youth center, cleaning a local park, or refreshing a community shelter, every project helps create a more vibrant, and welcoming place to live. When people thrive, neighborhoods thrive.
Support The Region’s Largest Day Of Service
There is still time to support Day of Caring with your donations. Visit unitedwaynwi.org/doc and select “Donate Today” to support impactful work taking place all throughout Northwest Indiana.
Make the Move: Why now is the perfect time to quit tobacco
With the cost of tobacco products increasing on July 1, many may see this moment as an ideal opportunity to consider quitting tobacco. Whether motivated by health, financial goals or the desire for a fresh start, Hoosiers across the state are being encouraged to take advantage of the many free and effective tools
available to support their journey toward a tobacco-free life. Support systems and evidence-based programs are in place to help make quitting more attainable than ever. “We are dedicated to helping individuals who want to quit tobacco use by providing them with the necessary support and tools to
Memories of reality
By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer
I chanced upon an old, old memory.
And gave it some research in my mind.
It was a bit of a surprise to me.
It seems it had aged like fine wine.
Not all memories are still “sippable”
After the passage of so many years.
And of course, it’s hard to get over, events that might have ended in tears.
But I guess this memory stood the test.
I brushed it off so it would shine.
And added it to the others.
From those days of roses and wine. Events are real in the present.
I suppose memories are real forever.
But one is in touch and one is in thought.
We must have one to have the other.
I think at the least I feel content.
With the very real touches I’ve had. When my season is over and I move on,
I don’t think it should be sad.
succeed,” said Carrie Higgins, program director of the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County. “Now is the time to make Indiana a healthier state, free from the burden of tobacco addiction.”
In 2023, 14.5%, or about 750,000 Hoosier adults, reported currently smoking, above the national average of 12.1%. Encouragingly, more than one-third of Indiana adults who smoke or vape reported making a quit attempt in the past year.
“There has never been a better time to quit,” said Higgins. “We must come together as a state to reduce tobacco use and support one another in this effort to help those who are ready to quit.”
In addition to helping adults quit, tobacco tax increases are one of the most effective tools to prevent youth tobacco use. As prices rise, fewer young people start using tobacco products. Indiana’s new tax increase is expected to prevent more than 10,000 youth from becoming adults who smoke and reduce the number of young adults who smoke by more than 2,200.
The initiative provides clear pathways for Hoosiers seeking help to quit:
• Consulting their healthcare provider for medical advice on cessation.
• Quit Now Indiana — Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), text READY to 34191, or visit QuitNowIndiana.com to receive guidance from tobacco cessation coaches.
• Engaging with local tobacco prevention coalitions for additional resources.
• Programs like Quit Now Indiana are vital for providing essential cessation resources to Hoosiers. In 2024, Quit Now Indiana served over 8,400 Hoosiers last year, which is a return on investment of nearly $12 million among those who successfully quit. For every $1 spent on Quit Now Indiana, the state saves nearly $10.
“Tobacco addiction is a serious challenge, but with the right support, Hoosiers can take charge of their health and successfully quit,” said Higgins.
Indiana has made progress in reducing smoking rates over time, but tobacco use still places a heavy burden on public and economic health. Healthcare costs in Indiana directly caused by smoking are estimated at $3.4 billion annually.
With strong statewide efforts and continued focus on prevention and cessation, health officials remain optimistic that more Hoosiers will take this critical step toward a tobacco-free life.
PART OF DAY OF CARING Tommy Hawk and Al Spajer will be part of United Way Northwest Indiana’s Day of Caring which will be Friday, Aug. 1. Spajer and his wife, Deb, have been long time supporters of the United Way. Photo provided by United Way of Northwest Indiana.
Aperion Care - Demotte 10352 N. 600 E., Demotte, IN 46310 (219) 345-5211 • www.aperioncare.com
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Hammond-Whiting Care Center
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Ignite Medical Resort of Chesterton
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Ignite Medical Resort of Crown Point
1555 S. Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 323-8700
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Ignite Medical Resort of Dyer 1532 Calumet Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 515-4700
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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
IMHM explored study, treatment of mental illness
By ROD KING
In order to fully experience the growth of modern medicine over the past century, you have to take a step back in time to the late 1800s and visit the Indiana Medical History Museum in Indianapolis. It’s located in the old 19-room Pathology Building, which was constructed in 1896 on the grounds of Central State Hospital for the Insane.
The Victorian-style structure is the oldest free-standing pathology facility in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains three clinical laboratories and a photography laboratory to support study and research on physical causes of mental disease.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the building is its 100-seat amphitheater. It hosted medical students and physicians over the decades for lectures on mental and nervous disorders. Visitors can experience what it was like to be a
medical student a century ago and observe cadavers that were presented as part of autopsy instruction.
Until the construction of this facility, there was no dedicated laboratory for pathologists. They worked in one or two rooms in one of the hospital’s wards. In fact, there was only one hospital in the country with a dedicated lab situated in a stand-alone building — Bellevue Hospital in New York City.
With the advent of germ theory in the 1860s and other scientific discoveries, the medical profession urged mental hospitals to build laboratories in which to study causes of mental illness.
Dr. George Edenharter, superintendent of the hospital, dreamed of a building specifically for laboratory sciences and medical education. The original four-room, one-story plan grew into the structure that was finally built for a cost of $15,000. It included electric lighting, telephone, hot and cold running water and a library with more than 500 volumes. Amazingly, he was able to get it built without receiving any state money. He used money from the 1895/96 operating and maintenance funds.
Despite the fact that it was
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.”
PATHOLOGY LABORATORY Original plans for the lab building called for a four-room, single-story structure. The completed structure is this Victorian-style building with 19 rooms. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
hailed as the best state-of-theart laboratory in the country, getting maintenance funds from the Indiana Legislature was a continuing battle.
In the autopsy room, visitors learn that the legislature passed a law that all wards of the state were to be autopsied, mainly for teaching purposes. Autopsies were done then much as they are today. RecordContinued on page 16
CLINICAL CHEMICAL LAB Busiest of the four labs in the building was the Clinical Chemical Laboratory, where blood samples from newly-admitted patients were examined and analyzed. The room contains a handcranked centrifuge.
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.
HealthLinc
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.
AGING CONNECTIONS
RESOURCES
Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI
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
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
GREAT ESCAPES
Text and Photos
HOSPICE CARE
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.
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
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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
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Affordable medical and urgent care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance accepted. Discounted self-pay option.
MEDICAL RESORTS
IGNITE MEDICAL RESORTS
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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
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&
UNDERGROUND
The Indianapolis City Markets Catacombs are a noteworthy aspect of the city’s history, its maze-like layout soon to be part of a major renovation in the area. Photo from Visit Indiana.
City Market Catacombs, a labyrinth beneath Indianapolis
Beneath the bustling streets of downtown Indianapolis lies a historic underground relic that’s both mysterious and uniquely Hoosier.
The City Market Catacombs, a 20,000-square-foot network of Romanesque brick arches and tunnels, have long fascinated locals and tourists alike.
The Catacombs, located beneath Whistler Plaza, are the remnants of Tomlinson Hall, a grand public meeting space built in 1886 that was destroyed by fire in 1958. Though the blaze claimed the building’s aboveground structure, its basement, now known as the Catacombs, remained intact and would go on to have a storied second life.
Constructed with funds from local druggist Stephen Tomlinson, the hall once served as an extension of the City Market, offering overflow space for vendors and an auditorium that could seat more than 4,000 people.
Designed by prominent architect Diedrich Bohlen, Tomlinson Hall was both practical and monumental. Its underground corridors were especially vital: used to store and transport goods, preserve perishables with early refrigeration methods and even hang meats to dry.
During a harsh winter in 1911, the Catacombs also became a temporary homeless shelter. More than 350 men reportedly took refuge there in what became known locally as the “Mayor’s Pajama Party.”
But by the mid-20th century, the once-grand hall had fallen into severe disrepair. In 1955, fire inspectors labeled it “the city’s worst fire hazard.” Just three years later, a massive fire gutted the building. The charred remains of the blaze, started by a pigeon carrying a lit cigarette according to local lore, was demolished by city officials. By the time demolition had finished,
only the structure’s basement was left intact.
In the decades that followed, the Catacombs served multiple roles. The Indianapolis police used the space as a shooting range in the 1960s, and Halloween events in the 1980s and ’90s capitalized on its atmosphere. Guided tours in more recent years made it a popular destination.
Now, the Catacombs are entering a new chapter. The City Market is undergoing a major renovation, and the underground space is temporarily closed. Both are slated to reopen as part of an open-air park in the redeveloped site. City officials have not yet announced a specific reopening date.
For updates on the City Market redevelopment and the Catacombs’ reopening, visit the official city website or follow Indianapolis City Market on social media.
Unlocking your best life: Smart says to explore senior living costs
Should you embrace a vibrant senior living community or continue enjoying your mortgage-free home? The answer might surprise you. Maybe you’re helping aging parents find a comfortable, supportive environment quickly. Most feel overwhelmed by all the information out there — and the price tags! But senior living might be more affordable than you think!
“We have a sheet in our tour packet called ‘Cost of Living Comparison’ that genuinely takes people by surprise,” Kaitlynn Redmon, executive director, Residences at Coffee Creek Senior Living, Chesterton, explains. “You can see all the services included in senior living, right alongside your current monthly costs that you tally. Categories like housing and related expenses, and many more are quite eye-opening.”
Karen Ayresman, executive director, Residences at Deer Creek Senior Living, Schererville adds, “combining personal funds — pensions, social security, and retirement accounts (regular income streams) — can create a base. Add assets from the sale of your home, vehicles, RVs, boats and other valuables. Reverse mortgages can provide equity while still allowing ownership to be assigned to beneficiaries. Life insurance policies can sometimes be sold or borrowed against, often with provisions
By NATALIE REISEN Director, Marketing and Sales, Residences at Coffee Creek Senior Living
for beneficiaries.
“Veterans may find surprising ways to meet requirements for Time and Attendance Benefits. Relatives are often happy to help, too. Bridge financing or short-term loans can fund deposits and monthly lease payments until your home sells or other expected assets become available.
“Because we’re licensed to provide 24/7 nurse availability, we can support resident needs for health monitoring, which means residents can deduct medical expenses and even utilize their long-term care policy.”
So, are there options? Absolutely, we say yes, you can. Our passion is guiding you through your senior living decisions and helping you discover all the wonderful possibilities.
AUTOPSY TABLE — Autopsies were done at the turn of the century much as they are today. Recording of the procedure was done through a listening tube in a room upstairs. In order to get patient’s families to allow an autopsy, Central State Hospital offered free funerals. Blood and body fluids drained directly into a sewer and into the White River.
IMHM explored
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ing of the procedure was done through a listening tube in a room upstairs. Blood and body fluids drained directly into a sewer and into the White River. Autopsies for the purpose of research were discontinued in 1947.
electrically-operated version was added in 1931.
Visitors who step back in time at the Indiana Medical History Museum, located at 3270 Kirkbride Way, tour in comfort because air conditioning was added in 1989. The laboratories closed in 1969 and Central State Hospital closed in 1994.
Probably the busiest room in the building was the clinical chemical lab. When a patient was admitted to the hospital, this is where all samples were examined. The room includes a mechanical centrifuge, which had to be hand cranked. An
For more information, visit imhm.org. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $5 for youths under 18. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.