Senior Life - NorthWest Edition - May 2026

Free Living Life After 50

Indiana Landmarks works to preserve historic structures and places

By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer

Indiana Landmarks is recognized as the largest statewide private nonprofit preservation organization in the country, maintaining multiple regional offices across the state to support local preservation efforts. Based in Indianapolis, it has eight regional offices around the state.

Blake Swihart has served as director of the Northwest Field Office for the past four years, covering nine counties, including Lake, Porter, Jasper and Newton. It is one of two regional offices in the northern part of the state.

“Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, strengthens connections to our diverse heritage and saves meaningful places,” said Swihart. “Indiana Landmarks has always provided professional and prudent preservation expertise, but we have often been willing to take risks to ensure the long-term sustainability of our built environment. We believe in tackling difficult projects and in investing in communities and organizations that otherwise might be overlooked.”

Last year the organization awarded $3.3 million in grants for architectural and structural assessments, reuse studies, building repairs, fundraising planning, educational projects and other preservation efforts. Statewide, staff advised over 280 communities on building preservation and revitalization strategies and led talks

and workshops. It drew 7,700 attendees to 65 educational programs and provided tours for over 12,000 individuals.

Several of the programs established by the organization have a specific focus. Sacred Places Indiana, a program of Indiana Landmarks supported by funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., offers planning and capital grants to eligible congregations and the Black Heritage Preservation Program expands the work of the organization’s African American Landmarks Committee, established in 1992 to help identify, save and celebrate historic African American sites in around the state.

Each year, Indiana Landmarks releases a list of the 10 Most Endangered Places in the state. This year, one Northwest Indiana structure - the Kiwanis Fieldhouse - is part of that list. La Porte’s Kiwanis Club spearheaded construction of the stadium in 1950, and the Streamline Moderne building, which features locker rooms tucked under a sloping grandstand, was designed by architects O’Keefe and Keil.

Some of the Indiana Landmarks’ educational programming has been created for individuals looking to rehab their historic homes, offering instruction and tips on restoring plaster work and repairing wood floors.

Across the region, some of the projects that Indiana Landmarks has been involved in in recent years include the St. Zion AME church in East

Chicago, Beverly Shores Depot Museum, Carnegie Library in Rensselaer, Linwood House in Valparaiso and Hobart Historical Society building.

Swihart has enjoyed being part of the purchase of the abandoned Geter Means House in Gary’s Mid-Town area to rehab; the purchase and ongoing rehab of the 1880 Italianate Julius House in Crown Point; and the rehabilitation of the mid-century Linwood home/office on the campus of Valparaiso University.

“Historic preservation is a conversation with our past about our future,” said Swihart.

“It is the process of identifying, protecting, enhancing and interpreting buildings, structures, sites, objects, districts and landscapes of historic and cultural significance.”

Volunteers are always needed to help with events and other opportunities. To get involved, contact bswihart@ indianalandmarks.org.

SPREADING THE MESSAGE Blake Swihart, director of the Northwest Field Office of Indiana Landmarks, gives a presentation to the Valparaiso Women’s Association about the organization and its mission. Photo by Carrie Steinweg.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE Gary’s Roosevelt High School, Gary’s first and only high school built exclusively for African-Americans, has appeared on the Indiana Landmarks’s list of 10 Most Endangered Places in the state. Photo by Indiana Landmarks.

ENDANGERED The Kiwanis Fieldhouse in La Porte has been named to the Indiana Landmark’s annual list of 10 Most Endangered Places. Photo provided by Indiana Landmarks.

Steel retiree now using lasers to produce craftwork

By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer

Pete Rich was looking for something to do. Already active at the Hobart Moose Lodge, the Portage resident discovered laser engraving online. He’s been doing it now for almost a year, but his work closely resembles that of a skilled craftsman.

“I’ve been doing this for about nine months,” said Rich, 68. “It’s always interested me, so I watched it on YouTube and ordered the equipment. You can get a lot from YouTube and Facebook.”

According to Laser Engraving Tips, laser engraving is a handy and practical technique used to create permanent marks on various materials, including textiles, acrylics, wood, natural stones and metals. From engraving logos to making personalized gifts, one can be very creative with a laser machine.

LET also notes wood is particularly loved by most beginners due to its versatility and availability. It can be a bit challenging to work with.

“It’s relaxing,” Rich said. Rich works on cutting boards and other surfaces, sometimes adding light-hearted messages for the kitchen. These include:

“I only have a kitchen because it came with the house.”

“My kitchen was clean last week. Sorry you missed.”

“I could keep this kitchen clean if you people would stop eating here.”

Another design, featuring the facial expressions of terrified chickens, states, “She’s got a knife.”

Among his favorite woodworks was for his late wife. She had two “psycho” dachshunds, and Rich put the images of two exaggerated little hounds onto wood.

“I love making specialty gifts for people and seeing how their

eyes light up,” he noted. “I’m always looking for materials, going to places like Goodwill.”

Rich has access to 300 different dog plans for clients seeking canine images. He also produces sun catchers, bookmarks, pens and night lights.

One particular night light, featuring a unicorn, was a special project for one of his four grandchildren. “When she got it,” Rich recalled, “you’d think she got a million bucks.”

He is also preparing to make gifts for Mother’s Day. He also takes his wares to shows around Northwest Indiana, including the biannual rummage sales at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso.

“I pick and choose when I’m available,” Rich said of selecting shows. “I enjoy meeting people, talking to people, getting their reactions. This is the only time you can get a lot of reactions about your work in one place.”

About 20 years ago, Rich produced scroll saw art, but it didn’t sell.

These days, Rich is administrator at the Hobart Moose Lodge, where he puts in 50-60 hours a week. That’s a lot for a guy who originally joined the organization to play softball. That’s when a longtime member took Rich under his wing and told him about the service organization.

Rich has been a Moose about 42 years, the last 12 years as administrator. “I joined in 1982. I had no clue what the group was about,” he recalled.

“The Moose help people. They help children,” said Rich, citing Mooseheart.

Also known as the “Child City,” Mooseheart is a residential childcare facility located on a 1,000-acre site in Kane County, Ill.

The Moose also support local organizations, such as food pantries, historical societies

and animal shelters.

Getting back to laser engraving, Rich said a typical cutting

board may take 70 minutes to complete. It’s not always easy, he said, including getting the

settings right. “Sometimes,” he explained, “you need to do test patterns for spacing.”

Hilltop Neighborhood House welcomes seniors with food, community meals and many volunteer opportunities

Hilltop Neighborhood House invites all community members to connect with neighbors, enjoy nutritious food and take part in meaningful volunteer opportunities that strengthen personal well-being and the greater Valparaiso community.

Serving generations of local families, Hilltop was established in 1995 to meet the needs of the diverse College Hill neighborhood, beginning with a focus on safe, high-quality childcare. In 2011, Hilltop became a nationally accredited early childhood education center and registered ministry of the State of Indiana. It holds accreditation from the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation and has earned

a Level 4 rating - the highest designation - in Indiana’s Paths to QUALITY program.

Located in Porter County’s only federally designated Opportunity Zone, Hilltop continues to expand services that remove barriers to food, education and essential resources. Community members of all ages are welcome to access Hilltop’s free Food Pantry, 9-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, 606 Union St. Additional hunger relief programs include the Mission Kitchen, offering free hot meals weekly in a welcoming setting, 4-6 p.m. Mondays, 608 Union St., and the Hunger Hub, stocked with ready-to-eat meals, open 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays–Sundays, 606 Union St.

Hilltop also operates a mobile food pantry, bookmobile and community garden, where children learn hands-on lessons about growing food, sharing harvests with pantry clients and kitchen programs.

Volunteers, especially seniors, play a vital role in Hilltop’s mission. Opportunities include gardening, food programs, cooking and childcare support.

“Hilltop is more than a place to receive services; it’s a place to belong,” said Jennifer Wright, president and CEO. “There’s a meaningful place here for everyone to share their time and talents.”

To learn more, call (219) 4774222 or visit hilltophouse.org.

MAN AND HIS CRAFT Pete Rich sits beside some of the plaques and cutting boards he has produced, using laser engraving. The steel retiree, a Portage resident, is also active with the Hobart Moose.

Photo by Steve Euino.

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE — Bob M., a Hilltop volunteer in its early childhood education program, plays music and sings for the children in Hilltop’s Kindergarten Readiness Level 3 classroom. Photo provided by Hilltop Neighborhood House.

Lansing re-enactor aims to bring history to younger generations

By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer

Ray Krueger of Lansing, Ill. has always been interested in history of the 1940s and World War II. That interest led him to attend war re-enactments as a spectator and eventually

become a re-enactor himself. In the mid-2000s, Krueger began attending history festivals and re-enactments. His first event as a re-enactor was at Buckley Homestead in Lowell in 2007. There he met a man by the name of Bill Sheets, who helped guide him in what he

needed to get the most out of his re-enacting experience. After acquiring a set of authentic uniform pieces, “The rest is history,” said Krueger. Two decades later, his hobby has grown and he has met some good friends along the way.

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Krueger’s historical interest lies mostly in the World War II era, particularly the Western Front campaign on the beaches of Normandy and Bastogne. His collection has grown over time beyond uniforms to include American military artifacts and German Nazi propaganda. He also has a 1949 Willys CJ3A Honor Jeep. “It took me three years to do a semi rebuild, which I’m always adding to,” he said.

“One of my bucket list items that I did last year was I got to visit Camp Toccoa in Georgia where the airborne was formed that was portrayed in Band of Brothers,” he said. The basic training

S. O. S. –

camp trained paratroopers for the 506th Infantry Regiment. Over the years, Krueger has participated in other events in the Midwest, including Rockford WW II Days, Lockport Military History Weekend and the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s Civilians and Soldiers in History Day. “This year I’m looking forward to the Muskegon LST 353 event in Michigan. The North Judson railroad museum event is a fun one that is in July,” he said. “There is one in Conneaut, Ohio which has the beach landings, which I’ve never done, but that’s a bucket list of mine, as well.”

Krueger recognizes the value in these living history demonstrations. “It’s handson. It’s the meaning of the re-enactors holding the things that generations used. The smell of canvas. The smell of firewood. They don’t teach you everything in history class,” he said. “You get to meet

World War II veterans, Korean War veterans and hear their stories and that’s what you will remember because once those veterans are long gone, we are there to keep the history alive so that other generations down the road will never forget.”

Originally from Bridgeview, Ill., Krueger currently works for FedEx Express. He and his wife, Susan, have been married since 2000. He has two sons, Justin, 24, and Evan, 17, as well as a daughter-in-law, Brianna.

“What I like most about re-enactments is getting away from reality for a weekend, hanging out with other re-enactors dressed up in the same era uniforms, driving the vehicles, to just smell the canvas - it’s hard to explain, but again it’s just getting away from reality,” he said. “The main thing is meeting that generation which is sadly disappearing rapidly.”

Speaking Of Seniors — Helped Crown Point client with fake bill

On February 23, 2026, a client came to my office seeking my help. His wife was one of my classmates in the 1972 class of Griffith High School. He showed me some papers from his insurance company. A firm from Florida had filed claims with Medicare for medical supplies that he never sought or received. Together, we phoned Medicare to alert it that the claims from that company were fraudulent.

We did not have time to phone his insurance company, too. I needed to prepare for another client who had an appointment with me. I instructed the client on how to call his insurance company to report the facts and that

By WOODROW WILCOX Senior Problem Resolution Officer Senior Care Insurance Services

we already filed a complaint with Medicare.

The Medicare system is malfunctioning. Medicare is not disciplining insurance companies, medical firms, and medical equipment firms to follow the Medicare rules and systems properly to avoid hurting seniors. A senior on Medicare has only 120 days to appeal a bad decision by Medicare or an insurance company. Insurance companies that refuse to take complaint calls or messages from seniors are causing financial harm to seniors by “running the clock” on complaints. It is high time that officials in the Medicare system start fighting to protect seniors.

Note: Woodrow Wilcox works at Senior Care Insurance Services in Merrillville.

HISTORY BUFF Ray Krueger of Lansing, Ill., has always been interested in history and specifically World War II. He began attending history festivals and reenactments in the mid-2000s. Photo provided by Ray Krueger.

By CLIFFORD J. RICE Elder Law Attorney Valparaiso

There are unique opportunities for married couples when it comes to protecting assets from nursing home spenddowns. If advance planning is done with an experienced attorney in the field of Medicaid law, the assets of the first spouse to die can be placed in a special type of trust, which has sometimes been referred to as a “Safe Harbor Trust.” The technical term is an irrevocable testamentary special needs trust. Assets passing to provide for the care of the surviving spouse in this way can be fully protected from nursing home spend-downs. They are available for care and needs during

the lifetime of the surviving spouse, and they may also be better protected from estate taxes and probate fees when they pass to the children at the time the surviving spouse passes away.

Think about the implications of this . . . with proper advance planning, a married couple can shelter hundreds of thousands of dollars of assets from the effects of long-term catastrophic illness.

Other techniques, notably the Medicaid asset protection trust, can be available not only to married couples, but also to single persons.

This type of proactive plan-

ning is extremely valuable and offers an incredible return on investment.

Do you have a long-term care policy? The average person age 65 will have to pay almost $2,940 per year for long-term nursing care coverage. For married couples, that is almost $6,000 per year. If each lives to life expectancy and there are no increases in premiums, that total payout could exceed $120,000 or more!

Many clients either cannot afford such an investment, or they are not eligible at all because of medical conditions. For perhaps one-tenth or one-twentith of that amount,

estate planning and Medicaid planning can give substantial protection not available through any other means.

Because we are an elder law firm, we can often save our clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in nursing home costs, and protect our client’s families in case of long-term catastrophic illnesses. Want to learn more? Attend our free Estate Planning/Medicaid Planning workshop at: 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Avalon Manor, Merrillville Reservations required, seating is limited! Call now: (800) 303-7423, or visit riceandrice. com.

Slowing down is part of mature motorists’ manual

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

The “get ‘em off the road” gang is after aging drivers again.

This happens every time anyone behind the wheel 75 or older gets into an accident.

The more major the mishap, the more media coverage and the louder the argument about yanking all silver-haired vehicle operators off the road.

Take away their licenses. Test them every year. Let them walk. It’s safer.

They bring out the statistics that senior drivers are the second-most accident-prone segment of America’s motoring public.

The single-most road-risky group are teen-aged drivers. But no one suggests taking away their licenses when a group of teens are killed or maimed when their overloaded vehicle rolls over or smashes into another.

Detractors of senior drivers suggest taking driving licenses away at a certain age. How about holding back drivers’ licenses to young people until

they reach a certain age? Neither of these suggestions make sense.

Age is not the problem. The problem is common sense and competence behind the wheel.

It is estimated that one out of every five of the nation’s drivers will be older than 65 by 2030.

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology study indicates that most older drivers limit or stop driving on their own as they perceive their capabilities diminishing.

About 70% of more than 3,800 drivers 50 years and

older queried said they restricted their driving under a variety of conditions. These included bad weather, heavy traffic, rush hour, at night, long distances and freeways.

Older drivers apparently develop strategies to compensate for failing vision, slower reflexes, stiffer joints and medication, according to researchers.

The transportation needs of some 70% of the people who live in the suburbs or rural areas are a major hurdle to such simple solutions as forcing seniors out of their cars

and forcing them into buses, subways, trolleys and trains.

It’s been proved that the cost of car payments, auto insurance, fuel, upkeep and maintenance can buy a lot of taxi-cab rides. But that alternative is not always available.

Older drivers can help their cause by supporting physical improvements such as signs that are larger and less complex, improved lighting and enhanced visibility at intersections and remedial-driving programs.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2021

Saving money difficult on car lot

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

As the weather turns bright and balmy, a young man’s fancy is visited by visions of a new car.

Once a person, male or female, is infected with this infatuation, it’s difficult to shake.

Most seniors have purchased at least one vehicle during their lifetimes. Many, after memorizing the mantra “Never borrow money on something that depreciates,” paid cash for the family flivver.

That’s pretty tough to do these days because few folks have $50,000 or more sitting around the house or nestled in their bank or credit union account to slap down on a new car.

Those last two words are worth repeating: new car.

How often have you been told to shun used cars because “you’re just buying someone else’s problems?” And the used car salesman has been saddled with an image somewhere between a conniving con man and a masked bank robber.

Purchasing a used car from a reputable operator can save you a lot of money.

The moment you drive a new car off the lot, it depreciates at least 20%. If you paid $50,000 for it, it’s only worth $40,000 the second it hits the street.

A two-year-old vehicle has already depreciated about onethird from its new-car price. Some buyers shop car auctions to save money. There are folks who track down sales of rental cars. The image of these vehicles being kicked around by every kind of driver who doesn’t

BARBARA M. SHAVER

• Estate Planning Including Wills and Trusts, Health Care Powers of Attorney • Elder Law/Medicaid Planning • Estate Administration and Probate • Special Needs • Guardianships

Eichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP 2929 Carlson Dr. #100 Hammond, IN 46323 219-931-0560

treat them with respect can be misleading. They’re well maintained by the rental companies during their lives as temporary transportation for any and all types of drivers. If you feel you want to treat yourself to a new car, settle on what car you want. Then find out how much it costs the dealer so you’ll know how much haggle space you have between that figure and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price

pasted in the window. Don’t for a nanosecond think that the smiling team of “experts” on the lot is considering your welfare. They’re out to make a living and they make that living by moving the inventory - selling cars along with customized packages of extras, insurance, financing and a host of other add-ons that get slipped into the conversation willy-nilly and can fracture your finances if you

aren’t alert. If you have an auto to trade in, don’t take it on the lot with you. Walk on the lot and do all your negotiating. Once you’ve settled on a price, then introduce your trade-in. Before going on the lot, find out how much you can get for your vehicle on the open market. That way you’ll know whether or not you’re getting a good deal.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Burglary effects linger

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

More than a million homes are burglarized each year, which means couple of households are broken into and ransacked every minute. More than half of these burglaries occur during the day. Few last longer than 10 minutes.

In two-thirds of these incidents, the thief knows and is known by the occupants of the residence. In many cases they are a relative.

A lot of the times, the thieves were part of a home remodeling crew or had been called to repair an appliance. Statistics reveal that a burglarized home is likely to

be broken into again within six months.

Anyone who’s been the victim of a burglary knows the result is more than just the loss of personal possessions. There’s the residual feeling of exposure and vulnerability - that someone could violate your private space. And the fear that you could have been home when it happened.

If you return from a shopping trip or a several-week vacation and see you’re dwelling has been broken into, don’t go inside. The perpetrators might still be inside, so call the police and wait until they come and secure your residence.

After you’ve entered, take

inventory. Walk through every room and write down what’s missing - computer, jewelry, television set, silverware, fur coats, anything and everything that’s not there. Give that list to the police. If you discover something else missing later, give that update to them.

There is little likelihood your stuff will ever be retrieved but a copy of that list can be used to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance.

Make sure no credit cards are missing and you might consider changing bank account numbers if you can’t account for all your checkbooks.

Mature Lie Features Copyright 2026

Legacy Foundation announces $5 million in new funding opportunities

By LEGACY FOUNDATION

Legacy Foundation announced that it’s making $5 million available to support local community projects that strengthen Lake County’s identity and community spaces. The announcement of

“Love Where You Live” grants took place on April 23 at IBEW Local 697 in Merrillville.

More than 150 attendees from nonprofits, local governments and public agencies joined to learn more about the funding opportunity. This major investment

includes $4 million for projects that create, revitalize, and activate inclusive public spaces across Lake County. Legacy Foundation will dedicate an additional $1 million to expanding the Transform Lake County and Resilience grant programs.

“’Love Where You Live’ is about investing in the places that shape everyday life,” said Kelly Anoe, president and CEO of Legacy Foundation.

“Through this $4 million grant, we are focusing on public spaces that foster connection and belonging, while our additional $1 million investment ensures continued support for organizations making a difference every day.”

Legacy Foundation anticipates awarding grants of up to $1 million for transformative public space projects. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, downtown plazas, amphitheaters, park enhancements and indoor public market spaces.

Transform Lake County and Resilience grants will support the growth and stability of nonprofit organizations serving Lake County. “At Legacy, we are committed to filling essential funding gaps to help people living in Lake County thrive,” said Anoe.

Learn more at legacyfdn.org.

The eyes have it for Walter Keane

By RANDAL C. HILL

In Berlin in 1946, a young American named Walter Keane was reportedly heartbroken at what he saw - hungry kids wallowing in rubbish heaps and fighting over food scraps. He later wrote, “As if goaded by a kind of frantic despair, I sketched these dirty, ragged little victims of the war with their bruised, lacerated minds and bodies, their matted hair and runny noses. Here my life as a painter began in earnest.”

There was just one problem with Keane’s story: his recollection proved to be a lie.

He may have seen impoverished children, but Keane never did become a painter. It was his future wife, Margaret, who would eventually put to canvas numerous sad-eyed waifs, all created from her Nashville, Tenn., childhood notebooks rather than from European garbage dumps.

Walter, a hard-drinking and canny seller of real estate, met Margaret in 1955 at an art exhibition in San Francisco. “He was just oozing with charm,” the future Mrs. Keane recalled. “He could charm anyone.”

The hippest hangout in the Bay Area was a beatnik joint called the Hungry I. It was there that Walter first peddled his wife’s artwork as his own while she stayed home, creating images of children with eyes three times their normal size.

In time, those paintings became hot properties, and, during the late 1950s and early 1960s, all things Keane (which now included posters and plates) brought in oceans of cash, with originals selling for as much as $100,000 each.

Walter and Margaret bought a gated California mansion with a swimming pool, all the while with Walter taking credit for his spouse’s artwork while Margaret was kept home in isolation, painting 16 hours a day.

In his 1983 memoir, “The World of Keane,” Walter quoted his wife saying, “You are the greatest artist I have ever seen … You are also the most handsome.”

Hmmn. Really?

Margaret Keane eventually reached the end of her patience with her spouse. She filed for divorce after promising her husband - by now a raging alcoholic - that she would keep secretly painting for him. But after handing him several more originals, she finally proclaimed, “No more lies. From now on, I will only tell the truth.” And she did, explaining everything to an interviewer in 1970.

After the split-up, Margaret

moved to Hawaii, where she painted her trademark bigeyed kids swimming leisurely in azure seas amid schools of colorful tropical fish. Walter moved into a fisherman’s shack near San Diego and drank from morning until night.

He later told a newspaper reporter that his ex-wife wanted to defraud him publicly. When the interviewer’s article appeared in print, Margaret sued Walter. This led to a “paint off” in court, where a judge ordered each to create “big eyes” paintings while he watched.

Margaret finished hers in 53 minutes; Walter claimed he couldn’t paint because of a sore shoulder.

Margaret was awarded $4 million. She never saw a penny of the settlement, though; Walter had drunk away all

the money from the Keanes’ heyday.

Bibliography

Book: Stern, Jane & Michael. “The Encyclopedia of Bad Taste.” (Pp. 169-170). New York: Harper Perennial/HarperCollins Publishers, 1990.

Internet: Brooks, Katherine. “Everything You Need to Know About Margaret & Walter Keane, Tim Burton’s Latest Obsession.” Sept. 23, 2014. huffpost.com.

Dubin, Zan. “The Eyes of Margaret Keane.” July 31, 2000. latimes.com.

Margaret Keane, Walter Keane. (No author or date listed) en.wikipedia.org.

Ronson, Jon. “The Big-Eyed Children: The Extraordinary Story of an Epic Art Fraud.” Oct. 26, 2014. theguardian.com.

WALTER KEANE

Retired educator-coach just can’t leave school

By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer

Tim McGinty walks around Chesterton High School as if he never left the place. No wonder – even after his “official” retirement 13 years ago, school officials won’t take back his keys.

A graduate of Chesterton High School, McGinty returned to teach there for 15 years. Along the way, he also coached three sports – assistant varsity football, several levels of wrestling, and junior varsity baseball – each for 15 years.

In academia, McGinty, now 71, was principal at Portage’s Fegely Middle School for five years; principal at Union Center Elementary in Union Township, three years; principal at Westchester Intermediate School, about eight years; and assistant principal at Chesterton High School for three years.

Now, with all this time on his hands, McGinty serves the CHS athletic department on Friday nights on the football chain gang. He’s also on the Chesterton High School Sports Hall of Fame committee.

As McGinty explained, the committee receives nominations, after which the group investigates each nominee. The committee and others do their research, after which honorees are named in the fall. Around 10 honorees are named annually and are honored at a football game and with a dinner.

“It’s a big deal,” McGinty noted.

When asked what he enjoys about sports and school life, McGinty replied, “All of it. I know I could be doing other things, but I still like these kids. My whole life has been about serving kids and teaching, and I love it.”

The Hall of Fame, he added, “is a way to give back to the kids.”

As to chain gang duty, “I love football, and this keeps me around the sport,” he noted.

Among the things McGinty does when he visits CHS is head over to the applied skills classroom for special-needs students. They love it, he said, when he bumps knuckles with the students.

“We talk about anything,” the school retiree said. “They’re just happy to see people.”

McGinty recently spent part of his weekend at Sharing Meadows, a facility for differently abled adults located in LaPorte County. He served as a camp counselor for 24 adults, playing games, doing arts and crafts, feeding them and even dancing with them.

“It’s a way of going over there and giving of myself,” McGinty said.

The active retiree has plenty of sports memories, including Chesterton snapping Hobart’s 77-game football home win streak in 1988. He’s also witnessed the Trojans winning state in wrestling in the 1980s, along with the success of the CHS swim program.

Still, he noted, “It’s mostly about the camaraderie and being able to watch kids grow in their abilities.”

In his approach to sports, McGinty explained, “I kept reminding myself, sports is an enhancement of what we do in the classroom. Kids have their successes and difficulties, and they can learn life skills in a good setting.”

McGinty coached baseball under Jack Campbell, whom he described as an “unbelievable coach and person.”

McGinty counsels sports parents to be “the number one fan of their kids, but allow them to be accountable for life experiences, both positive and difficult.”

The retired educator and his wife, Nancy, have two children

and four grandchildren. If he looks in great shape, it may reflect his hobbies. He is an avid hunter, motorcycle rider

and long-distance hiker. He also maintains a positive outlook on life.

“I enjoy life. I look at the pos-

itive in people, and avoid the negative,” McGinty said. “Most people have it better than they think. Each day is a gift.”

I am getting a leg up

My wife walks faster than I do.

By DICK WOLFSIE

If I hadn’t broken into a full gallop down the aisle the day we got married, she’d have beaten me to the justice of the peace by a nose. I’ve mentioned this before in this column, but things have gotten much worse and far more embarrassing.

When we take a walk around the block, Mary Ellen has to turn around every three or four minutes and walk back around me so that she doesn’t get too far ahead.

As embarrassing as this is, I demand that she do it because

a 79-year-old man should not be yelling to his wife, “Wait up,” an expression that I thought I had stopped using in junior high school.

What makes this more humiliating is that I have always been a good athlete. I played center field on my high school baseball team and even ran track. My wife is not an athlete. When my wife tries to run, she doesn’t bend her legs at the knees and she ends up looking like a soldier doing a goose step on too much coffee.

No, she can’t run. But boy, can she walk.

I can’t figure out why she walks faster. Let’s see … her legs are longer than mine. And she moves them back and forth faster than I do. Okay, I just figured it out.

The great irony in this is that one of the reasons I was attracted to my wife almost 48

years ago was her long, slender legs. This is exactly how men get themselves in trouble. When I saw those lovely limbs, my mind turned to romance, but I should have realized that she’d be walking faster than me for the next 50 years. I knew I was going to marry a woman who was smarter. But faster? That was never the plan.

In fact, during high school and college, I never dated girls who were fast. (My mother approved of that.)

Now, I must admit that when I used to walk my dog, Barney, he also walked faster than I did. Barney was 88 in dog years, 10 pounds overweight, and had arthritis. But the difference between Barney and my wife is that Barney actually turned around every few minutes to make sure I hadn’t had a heart attack. Back then,

Continued on page 9

SPORTS MEMORIES Tim McGinty, a retired teacher, coach and administrator in Duneland Schools stands beside the trophy case at Chesterton High School. McGinty coached multiple sports at CHS and remains active at school. Photo by Steve Euvino.

NUTSHELL

What’s happening at the Lake County Public Library

Below are all the adult programs, events and classes for the Month of March at the Lake County Public Library

Cedar Lake

10010 W. 133rd Ave.

Crochet @ Your Library, 4:30-5:30 p.m. May 6, 13, 20, 27

Book Discussion, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20

Registration required for all programs: visitlcplin.org/ branches/cl.htm or call (219) 374-7121.

Dyer-Schererville

1001 W. Lincoln Highway (US 30)

Bridge Club, 1-4 p.m. Friday, May 1

Senior Living 101, 1-2 p.m. Monday, May 4

New Parent & Caregiver Meet Up, 11-11:30 a.m. May 5, 26

Companion Planting, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5

Crafters Gathering, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 7, 21

Mahjong Open Play Session, 1-4 p.m. May 8, 22

Morning Mix: Ages 18 and Over, 10 a.m. to noon Friday, May 15

Bridge Club, 1-4 p.m. Friday, May 15

Senior Living 101, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19

Book Discussion, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28

Registration required for all programs: visit www.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. May 7, 14, 21, 28

Book Discussion, 1-2 p.m.

Monday, May 11

Book Discussion, 4-5 p.m.

Monday, May 18

All Ability: Butterfly Watercolor, 6-7 p.m. Monday, May 18

All Ability: Gaming, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19

Registration required for all programs: visitlcplin.org/ branches/gr.htm or call (219) 838-2825. Highland 2841 Jewett St.

All Ability: Book Buddies, 10:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5

Book Discussion, 3-4 p.m. Thursday, May 7

All Ability: 3D Potted Plant Craft, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13

Book Discussion, 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, May 26

Registration required for all programs: visitlcplin.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 2

Adults Get Crafty: Fabric Collage, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, May 11

Paint’n Time, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 12, 26

Adult Mystery Club: Whodunit?, 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 18

Book Discussion, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19

Leadership Foundations with Eric Rogers, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23

Registration required for all programs: visit www.lcplin.org/ branches/ho.htm or call (219) 942-2243.

Lake Station

2007 Central Ave.

Hobby Hour, 2-4 p.m. Thursday, May 7

Minecraft Party, 6-7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 11

Book Discussion, 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 12

LEGO Night for Adults, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13

Mahjong Open Play, 1-4 p.m. Friday, May 15

Knitting & Crochet Club, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16

Craft and Chat, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Book Discussion, 6-7 p.m.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust receives $23,000 grant

The Health Foundation of La Porte has awarded Shirley Heinze Land Trust a $23,000 grant to build a boardwalk at Wintergreen Woods, a state-dedicated nature preserve in Michigan City.

Wintergreen Woods is known for its rich subsoil, which frequently retains water and can make trails slippery and difficult to navigate after wet weather. The new boardwalk will improve trail conditions and expand safe access for visitors year-round.

“Ensuring our preserves are welcoming and accessible is a core part of our mission,” said Kris Krouse, executive director of Shirley Heinze Land Trust. “This boardwalk will make it easier for more people to experience Wintergreen Woods

safely and comfortably.”

The project also will include opportunities for community involvement. Shirley Heinze Land Trust plans to host 10 volunteer workdays to support construction efforts. Corporate teams, civic groups and local organizations interested in scheduling a volunteer day can contact Dylan Jones, volunteer coordinator, by emailing djones@ heinzetrust.org or calling (219) 242-8558.

This project is part of Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility across the preserves it protects, including continued efforts at Ambler Flatwoods in Michigan City and other sites throughout northwestern Indiana. Community members

I am getting

Continued from page 8

I considered using a leash, but neither Mary Ellen nor Barney would wear one.

Sometimes, just to feel loved and wanted, I would hide behind a tree to see if my wife would look for me. Out on a hiking trail, this is okay, but in a residential neighborhood, men behind trees are frowned upon. When you are telling your story to a police officer and he keeps using the word “lurking,” you have a great deal of explaining to do.

Now, when we walk around our new neighborhood, she feels like I slow her down, and the sight of her circling me every few minutes has the neighbors talking. Instead, when my wife and I want to walk, we go in different directions around our neighborhood circle. No matter how leisurely I walk, we pass each other at exactly the same time.

I know that was an incredibly stupid thing to say. But don’t try to explain it to me. You know how slow I am.

Monday, May 18

Tuesday Time Out, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19

Bingo at the Library!, 3-4 p.m. Saturday, May 23

Grown Up Game Night, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27

Reading Hour, 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28

Registration required for all programs: visitlcplin.org/ branches/lsnc.htm or call (219) 962-2409.

Merrillville

1919 W. 81st Ave. (US 30)

Keep Me in Stitches, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 2

Citizenship Class, 10:3011:30 a.m. May 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 27

English as a Second Language, 6-8 p.m. May 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 28

Caregivers & Coffee Hour, 11 a.m. to noon May 5, 13, 19, 27

Book Folding Art, 6-7:30 p.m. May 5, 12

Make Time for Mental Health Journaling, 2-3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 6

Make Time for Mental Health Journaling, 6-7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20

Dungeons & Dragons for Adults, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 6

W.I.S.E for Seniors, 1:30-3 p.m. May 7, 14, 21, 28

Adventures in Printmaking, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7

DIY Collage Bookmarks with Southshore Arts, 1-2 p.m. Saturday, May 9

Book Discussion, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 12

interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit heinzetrust.org and follow the organization on social media for updates on upcoming workdays at Wintergreen Woods.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust protects nature preserves across northwestern Indiana in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Marshall, Starke and St. Joseph counties.

Fade in: Turning an Idea into a Screenplay, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Thursday, May 14

ESL Conversation Club, 1011:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16

All Ability: Perler Bead Butterfly, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21

Do It Yourself Podcasting 101, 1-2 p.m. Saturday, May 23

Video Game and Hang, 6-8 p.m. May 26, 27

Genealogy Class: Native

American Research, 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, May 28

Board Meeting, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28

AARP Smart Driver Course (FEE), 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 29

Intro to Estate Planning Resources & Tools, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 29

Registration required for all programs: visitlcplin.org/ branches/cnl.htm or call (219) 769-3541.

Munster

8701 Calumet Ave.

Adult Dungeons and Dragons, 6-8 p.m. May 7, 14

AARP Driver Safety Class, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 11

Monday Night Adult D&D, 6-8 p.m. May 11, 18

Senior Planet: AI Voice and Video Generators, 1-2:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 13

Calumet Astronomical Society, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 26

Genealogy: Genealogy, DNA, and AI, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27

Book Discussion, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28

Mini Bookshelves, 6-7 p.m. Thursday, May 28

Registration required for all programs: visitlcplin.org/ branches/mu.htm or call (219) 836-8450.

St. John

450 Wicker Ave. (US 41)

Brain Benders, 10-11 a.m. Friday, May 1

Just One More Chapter: A Silent Book Club, 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 4

Off the Hook, 1-3 p.m. May 6, 13, 20, 27

Craft Saturday: Gift Card Wallet, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 9

Book Discussion, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13

Puzzle Challenge: Ages 16 and Over, 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 18

Registration required for all programs; visitlcplin.org/ branches/sj.htm or call (219) 365-5379.

Northwest Indiana Symphony closes season with tribute to Tina Turner

By TAMMIE MILLER Marketing Director Northwest Indiana Symphony

The Northwest Indiana Symphony closes its season with a high-energy tribute to the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll, Tina Turner, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Hard Rock Live (21+). This electrifying concert celebrates Turner’s legendary career with a full symphony orchestra and three powerhouse vocalists bringing her biggest hits to life.

Leading the lineup is Lakisha Jones, a standout finalist from American Idol known for her commanding voice and dynamic stage presence. Jones has built a national reputation for her soulful performances, making her a perfect fit for Turner’s bold, emotionally charged catalog.

She’s joined by Nova Y. Payton, an acclaimed performer celebrated for her versatility across soul, jazz and theater.

Payton has appeared in major productions across the country and is especially known for

Hot tea in the afternoon

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

He sips a bit on his hot tea. Red Zinger with some honey. His basement dwelling stays quite cool. This beverage will warm his tummy. He is at a stage with his age, where time constraints are at a lack.

He’s fortunate to have developed, a seemingly endless poetry knack.

As he sips his tea, he thinks a bit.

To his stories from years ago.

Among those tales are some jewels. Some might even be gold. His immaturity and bad decisions, gave rise to a story or two.

Walking the line between trouble or not. Seemed a favorite thing to do.

The past cannot be erased. Live and learn and live some more. So when you’re old and can’t do much. You’ll have your memories to explore.

her ability to channel powerful female icons with authenticity and heart.

Rounding out the trio is Armando Imagines, a dynamic entertainer whose rich vocals and charismatic style add a fresh dimension to the program. His performances bring both energy and nuance, helping round out a tribute that captures the full spirit of Turner’s music.

Audiences can expect to hear iconic songs like “Proud Mary,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” and “Private Dancer,” all reimagined with the power of a live orchestra. From gritty rock anthems to soulful ballads, the concert promises a night of nostalgia, excitement and pure musical adrenaline.

Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased at nisorchestra. org or by calling (219) 8360525. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just looking for a fun night out, this one-night-only event is set to be an unforgettable celebration of one of music’s greatest legends.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust announces 15th annual Bringing Nature Home Program

Shirley Heinze Land Trust announces its 15th annual Bringing Nature Home program, with applications accepted starting back on Earth Day, April 22. Through this program, the organization encourages community members to plant native species on their land. Last year, Shirley Heinze Land Trust celebrated 16 successful applicants across five counties.

Roads, utility corridors, agricultural land and residential neighborhoods are all potential barriers to the movement of animals and the plants they depend on. Landscaping with native plants, shrubs and trees provides safe passage between areas of natural

habitat, as well as food and shelter for birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Bringing Nature Home recognizes individuals and organizations who are making a difference. Eligible applicants receive a plaque to display their commitment to native plants and the removal of invasive species that threaten local habitats.

“Bringing Nature Home is special because it helps community members understand that they can make more of a difference in conservation than they may realize,” said Dylan Jones, volunteer coordinator of Shirley Heinze Land Trust and leader of Bringing Nature Home. “To be

responsible for the program in its 15th year is a privilege, and we hope to see a record number of applications and plaques awarded.”

Businesses, institutions, public agencies, landscapers and home gardeners based in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall and Starke counties in Indiana are eligible.

Plantings should be well-established, typically in their second growing season or beyond. For more information, visit www.heinzetrust. org/bringingnaturehome/ or contact Volunteer Coordinator Dylan Jones at (219) 242-8558 or djones@heinzetrust.org.

HONORING TINA TURNER Lakisha Jones, a finalist from American Idol, will join the Northwest Indiana Symphony in closing out its season with a tribute to Tina Turner. The concert will be held May 22 and tickets are on sale now. Photo provided by Northwest Indiana Symphony.

WEATHER 101

ACROSS

1. Barbed comments

5. Astern

8. Newspaper piece

12. Light beige

13. Old wound

14. Palate lobe

15. Reposed

16. Needle case

17. Katmandu’s land

18. *Natural electrical discharge

20. Fiber source

21. Madison Square Garden, e.g.

22. Anatomical pouch

23. *Like air from north of Canada

26. Same as boric

30. Slang for million dollars

31. Mother-ofpearl, pl.

34. Of a particular kind

35. Exclude or omit

37. Not safe

38. Parallel grooves

39. Campbell of “Scream” fame

40. Morally degraded

42. Lt.’s subordinate

43. Weed a.k.a. dyer’s woad

45. Nervous (2 words)

47. Rubber substitute, acr.

48. Broom of twigs

50. Wild plum

52. *Short-lived whirlwind (2 words)

56. Philip Roth’s “The Human ____”

57. Additional

58. Driver’s spare 59. Church songs

60. Biology lab supply

61. Pac Man’s blue ghost

62. *H in HI

63. Slightly insane 64. ____pool or ____pit

DOWN

1. Come together

2. Smoothie bowl flavor

3. Two-masted sailing vessel

4. Broad-brimmed beachwear

5. ____ ____ a play

6. Flora’s partner

7. H.S. math class

8. *Not sunny

9. Between larva and adult

10. Enthusiasm

11. Split lentils dish

13. Roman statesman, Nero’s advisor

14. Open up

19. Three 22. “Send help!” acronym

23. Make change

24. “Inside Out 2” main character

25. Actor Owen

26. Between Phi and Kappa

27. Like some sausages

28. Cake cover

29. *What storm pursuers do 32. *”____ as Ice” by Foreigner

33. Feel regret

36. *Condensation-starting point (2 words)

38. Church

Brain Boosters

assembly

40. Stock regulator, acr.

41. Herpes ____, a.k.a. shingles

44. Not odds

46. Nauseant

48. Battle of the ____, 1944-1945 German offensive

49. Literary composition

50. Eyelid affliction

51. Tibetan monk

52. Like Beethoven

to the filling increases the fiber, making them more satisfying. Serve with chile-garlic sauce and rice vinegar for extra zip.

4 servings; Cook 30 min.; Total Time 30 min.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup instant brown rice

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

1 large red bell pepper, finely diced

1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon five-spice powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 heads Boston lettuce, leaves separated 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro, basil, mint and/or chives

1 large carrot, shredded

DIRECTIONS:

Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add rice; reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey and ginger; cook, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until the turkey is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice, bell pepper, water chestnuts, broth, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder and salt; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

To serve, divide lettuce leaves among plates, spoon some of the turkey mixture into each leaf, top with herbs and carrot and roll into wraps.

53. Climbing plant 54. Irritates 55. Grazing lands 56. “Zip it!”

Taking message of ‘feeding the hungry’ to heart

Text and Photos

By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer

Looking at all the effort it takes, the donations and volunteer support, it’s hard to believe that God’s Garden Valpo Food Pantry all started with a bunch of roses.

Jeanne Kissinger, who with her husband Cliff operates the weekly food pantry, recalled seeing dozens of discarded roses in a parking lot after Mother’s Day. No stranger to being resourceful, Kissinger recovered many of the roses for distribution at hospitals, churches and nursing homes.

That experience, she related, taught her “a lot of discarded stuff is still salvageable. I realized things besides dozens of roses were being tossed. So much of that discarded stuff can be a blessing.”

The couple has operated God’s Garden Valpo since May 2011. The Sunday afternoon pantry now operates from a classroom at Living Hope Community Church.

The food comes from various sources, including local businesses and restaurants, community members and pantry volunteers. Items may include pizzas, dairy products, fresh fruit, breads and other baked goods.

The pantry may also receive clothing donations for distribution among the estimated 25 community members being

served that day.

Kissinger, who attends a local Nazarene church, is not a member of Living Hope, but she cited the continued support of lead pastor Richard Schmidt.

The pantry had operated outdoors in varying weather until Schmidt recommended the Kissingers come inside.

“Now we have our own closet space,” Jeanne said proudly. “Pastor Rich has been so good to us. He bends over backwards and loves this community.”

That closet stores various items, including containers holding food that homeless “tent people” can use. These include canned foods with pull tabs and easy-to-open fruit.

Kissinger sees food pantry involvement as part of her religious faith.

She noted, “Jesus said that whoever feeds the hungry, visits the prisons and takes in my orphans, you are feeding me.”

Kissinger is not alone in that sentiment. Jennifer Jones, a volunteer from nearby Calvary Church, texted her friends, who responded with racks and tables filled with clothing, purses and other accessories.

“This is my Kingdom work,” Jones explained. “Jesus did not help the Pharisee and Sadducees. He helped those in need, like the woman at the well. That’s what I’m called to do.”

Jones is among 14 volunteers assisting and praying with clients. The 45-minute distribution process starts with

announcements and prayers.

Prayers may be for a special intention, for the nation and

for all those gathered at Living Hope.

“People talk to us individual-

ly,” Kissinger said, “and we talk to them and pray with them.”

Once distribution begins, clients may make several trips around the tables. The idea, Kissinger explained, is that people can have as much as they want, so long as they leave enough for others.

Leslie Pendergraft, a volunteer, noted, “Food pantries come and go, but God has given us this food to distribute.”

“Everything here is for the giving,” Kissinger added.

Gail Coleman, another helper, enjoys “meeting people and being of service to the community. There’s a lot of people out there who need this.”

Sharon McAfee said as a volunteer “I just love the people. We’re all just crazy about each other.”

Kissinger cited an increase in youth volunteers, “and that’s encouraging. Our average volunteer age was 70, but now we have 4-5 youth.”

Kissinger said God’s Garden Valpo can always use more donations and clients. She may be reached at (219) 241-9600. The food pantry is also on Facebook.

PRAYER INTENTIONS — Jeanne Kissinger, foreground, leads prayers prior to food distribution from God’s Garden Valpo from Living Hope Community Church in Valparaiso. She and her husband, Cliff, direct the food pantry which distributes on Sunday afternoons.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT Sharon McAfee, a volunteer at God’s Garden Valpo, sorts through donated bakery items for distribution Sundays from Living Hope Community Church in Valparaiso. McAfee said it feels good helping others in this way.

Blast to the Past -

Paul McCartney and Wings

One of Paul McCartney’s biggest post-Beatles hits was a retort to an uncalled-for and caustic insult that undoubtedly pained the ex-Fab Four bassist.

By RANDAL C. HILL

John Lennon, the Beatles’ founder and one-time writing partner of McCartney, had made the snarky statement that, during their partnership, Paul had merely dashed off sentimental slush that was no better or important than so-called “elevator music.”

Really, John? Let’s take a look.

McCartney’s early romantic contributions had actually contributed mightily to the Beatles’ oevre; after all, Paul was responsible for such classics as “And I Love Her,” “Here, There and Everywhere,” and “All My Loving,” the last-mentioned a tune that Lennon once proclaimed “a fine piece of work.”

Lennon had obviously envied McCartney during their years together - 1957 to 1969. McCartney was the most popular Beatle, the best-looking, the hardest-working, the most knowledgeable about 20th century music and, arguably, the most talented.

Lennon’s jealousy-fueled vitriol shouldn’t have surprised anyone.

McCartney had no problem standing up for himself, though. “I’m a fan of old-fashioned writing,” he admitted. “I hate silly rhymes, but when they work, they’re the greatest little things in songwriting.” McCartney states

“You’d think that people would have had enough of silly love songs

“I look around me and I see it isn’t so.”

He later adds

“What’s wrong with that? I’d like to know

“ ‘Cause here I go again

“I love you

“I love you …”

You get the picture.

Powered by a strong bass line, a pronounced disco “thump” and a cornucopia of disparate instruments, “Silly Love Songs” was a commercial masterpiece.

Celebrating Seniors

Music critic John Bergstrom called it “an exemplary piece of mid-70s pop production and a pure pleasure.”

Wife Linda McCartney gets writing credit on “Silly Love Songs,” and she joins her husband on the tune’s chorus, although her voice is quite distant in the mix.

McCartney: “Over the years, people have said, ‘Aw, he sings love songs, he writes love songs, he’s so soppy at times.’ I have thought, ‘Well, I know what they mean, but people have been doing love songs forever. I like ‘em. Other people like ‘em.’ “

Folks have apparently been “liking ‘em” for millenia. In fact, love lyrics have been around for at least 4,000 years, with the oldest known examples having been discovered in Sumeriamodern-day Iraq - and preserved on clay tablets.

“The fact is, deep down, people are very sentimental,” McCartney continues. “If they watch a sentimental movie at home, they cry. But in public they won’t. We don’t like to show our emotions. We tend to sneer at that. And, in the same way, people may not admit to liking love songs, but that’s what they seem to crave.

“The nice payoff now is that a lot of the people I meet who are at the age where they’ve got a couple of kids and have grown up a bit, settling down, they’ll say to me, ‘I thought you were really soppy for years, but I get it now! I see what you were doing!’ ” Bibliography

Book: Bronson, Fred. The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (Third Edition). (P. 436) New York: Billboard Publications, Inc., 1992. The first McCartney quote is from here.

Internet: Benitez-Eves, Tina.

“The Meaning Behind ‘Silly Love Songs’ by Paul McCartney and Wings.” June 18, 2022. americansongwriter.com. The third McCartney quote is from here.

Breihan, Tom. “Wings - “Silly Love Songs.” Sept. 4, 2019. stereogum.com. The second McCartney quote is from here.

“Silly Love Songs.” (No author or date listed) beatlesbible.com.

“’Silly Love Songs’ by Paul McCartney & Wings. (No author or date listed) songfacts.com.

“Silly Love Songs.” (No author or date listed) en.wikipedia.org.

The fourth McCartney quote is from here. The Bergstrom quote is also from here.

PAUL MCCARTNEY AND WINGS Shown is the Wings in 1976. From left are Joe English, Denny

Laine, Linda McCartney, Jimmy McCulloch and Paul McCartney. Photo from Wikipedia.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

Marine general thwarted plot to overthrow FDR

By TOM MORROW Mature Life Features

Slipping in modern minds is the well financed attempt to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration almost a century ago.

In 1934, the American news media discovered there had been a year-old plot to replace FDR with a fascist government.

The claims of the conspiracy came from Marine Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler, one the most-decorated war heroes of his time. Even more unbelievable were his claims of who was involved in the attempted coup - respected finance and business names such as Robert Sterling Clark, Grayson M.P.

Murphy, and Prescott Bush, father of the late President George H.W. Bush and grandfather of former President George W. Bush. Much like today’s news media, many major newspapers of the day pooh-poohed the reports when details were leaked by government officials.

Born in 1881, Butler came from a line of civil-servants.

His father, Thomas Butler, was a representative from Pennsylvania in Congress and his maternal grandfather, Smedley Darlington, was also a Republican congressman.

He was the most decorated Marine up to that time, having been awarded two Medals of Honor, an Army Distinguished

Service Medal, the Marine Corps Brevet Medal, a Navy Distinguished Service Medal and a host of other honors during his 34 years in the Corps. His battle record covered duty in the Boxer Rebellion, Mexican-American War and World War I.

In 1933, Gerald C. MacGuire, a bond salesman, and Bob Doyle, an executive with the American Legion, asked the general to speak at a Legion convention in Chicago. Butler agreed but began to suspect something was amiss during their second meeting. The general was told there was more than $100,000 (about $2 million today) available to bring veteran supporters to the

H ME improvement

convention. The general was stunned because there was little chance a group of veterans was able to gather such a large amount of money.

MacGuire also asked Butler to deliver a speech that was highly critical of FDR’s recent move away from the gold standard, which was a major sticking point for high-ranking financiers. Many bankers feared their gold-backed loans would not be re-paid in full by the new policy.

There were concerns about the President’s socialist leanings and some business leaders even suspected he was a communist.

Butler was told he’d be the ideal leader of veterans, promising him an army of 500,000 men and financial backing from an assortment of rich businessmen, so long as he would be willing to lead a peaceful march on the White House to displace FDR.

Butler refused to deliver the speech and he heard little about the matter until MacGuire began traveling through Europe on a trip funded by Robert Sterling Clark, an heir to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune. MacGuire believed the only way to save the country from FDR’s policies was to create a military state run by former servicemen, with Roosevelt serving as a mere figurehead.

Butler knew he would need to corroborate any plan he drew up to stop the intended coup. He contacted Philadelphia Record writer Paul Comly French, who agreed to meet with MacGuire. The business-

man openly described the fascist state he foresaw to replace FDR and believed General Smedley was the “ideal leader.”

In November 1934, Butler and French appeared before the House Un-American Activities Committee and revealed the plot, which quickly became known as the “White House Coup” and “Wall Street Putsch.” Many major newspapers derided Butler’s claims when some of the committee’s report leaked out. The full report was not made public officially until recently.

No one was ever prosecuted in connection to the plot. The general’s account was published in his 1935 book, “War is a Racket.” There’s no telling how far the plot to overthrow FDR may have gone without Butler’s intervention. Its failure was the work of one patriotic Marine general. He died in 1940 at the age of 58.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Garden Helpline available through Porter County Extension

Do you have garden questions? Looking to know what’s nibbling on your plants? Call the Porter County Extension Office and talk to one of the Purdue Extension Master Gardeners working the Helpline! They will be available from 9-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Area gardeners can feel free to call in their questions at (219) 465-3555 or they can drop by the office with samples and photos at the Porter County Government Center, Suite 301, at 155 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso. Residents may also submit by email questions as well to portermghotline@gmail. com with a number for them to

reach out to you with.

This is free service offered to all residents of Porter County that the Purdue Extension Master Gardeners assist with. They have handled hundreds of questions every year at various EMG booths in the county, such as Earth Day and during the Porter County Fair. The questions for them should be relevant to homeowners as commercial entities would want to reach out to their coordinator: Nikky Witkowski, Agricultural and Natural Resources extension educator. She can be reached at the number above or by email at nikky@ purdue.edu

MARINE MAJ. GEN. SMEDLEY BUTLER

Celebrating older adults every day

How are you celebrating Older American’s Month in May?

“At Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly we are recognizing older Americans’ contributions every day of the year,” says Jacqueline Townsend, expansion program planner at Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, “And we’ve got so many great things planned.” This May, along with friendly visits, LBFE will be hosting a bingo event and is taking a group of LBFE older adults for an overnight getaway.

Townsend knows from meeting older adults served by LBFE that as adults age connections can be lost. “That’s why LBFE and our volunteers are so important. That feeling of friendship, knowing someone enjoys spending time with you, is the most effective way to relieve feelings of loneliness.”

While LBFE finds ways to celebrate major occasions like birthdays and holidays for adults over 70 who are aging without family, there are a lot of other ways that volunteers connect with the older adults it serves, like friendly visits and outings. “Visits can just be shared conversation over a cup of coffee.” Townsend adds, “Our volunteers find ways to make every visit special. Volunteer Valarine Brown visited an older adult in a nursing home and brought along a book on the history of Gary. They pored over the pages, reminiscing about times past and finding connections that they shared.”

Townsend says visits and

outings are just some of the ways that LBFE’s volunteers and staff show older adults that they are cared for. “We do the kind of things that family or close friends do for each other. If you live alone, a lunch out with volunteers and LBFE friends is so meaningful and reinforces that you are a valued part of the community. So we find ways to make those things happen.”

Right now, Townsend and LBFE’s volunteers are planning some special activities for summer as well. “Summer in the Midwest can seem so short. So at LBFE, we celebrate it with outings, special activities and even a trip to LBFE’s vacation retreat, Audrey’s House, in Batavia. We just want to make sure that everyone has something to look forward to and the chance to make new friends and new memories.”

If you, or someone you know, is over 70, lives in Northwest Indiana, and is aging without support from family or close friends, you may benefit from LBFE’s programs. Or perhaps you’d like to volunteer to visit an older adult or help with our gatherings and events. To get involved, reach out to Townsend, by calling 219-7365233 or emailing jtownsend@ lbfeindiana.org. Want to know more? Visit LBFEindiana.org.

LBFE began operating in Chicago in 1959, and today serves nearly 1,000 older adults throughout Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and DuPage and Kane counties, Illinois.

Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society presents -

Investigative Genetic Genealogy

The Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society will present Investigative Genetic Genealogy by Gwen Knapp at 10 a.m. , Saturday, May 16, at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 81st Ave., Merrillville. Knapp’s presentation will also be available on Zoom. Visit nwigs.com to register to attend by Zoom.

Knapp’s passion for genealogy was launched while spending time sorting through family photos. A 2015 DNA test helped open brick walls in her family research.

Knapp began assisting others with complex family history and

unknown parentage cases, leading to the launch of her company, Search for Family. Today, she is a senior case manager with the DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit that uses investigative genetic genealogy to give names back to Jane and John Does.

Knapp’s notable identifications include the 1997 Lake Michigan Jane Doe, 1977 Ramsey County, Minn. Jane Doe and 1989 Dane County John Chimney Doe, among others. She will discuss investigative genetic genealogy and how researchers work to identify Jane and John Does.

Solo travel multiplying

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Statistics vary but tour operators generally indicate around half of their sign-ups are by single travelers and as many as 80% of these soloists are women.

Still a thorn in the side of single travelers are the single-sup-

plement fees charged by cruise ships, hotels and tour operators. You can avoid these fees by negotiating the price before booking or working with a travel provider that can tailor tours by, among other things, providing shared accommodations with a fellow traveler with similar interests. Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

TEA FOR TWO — Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly volunteer Valarine Brown, standing, with an LBFE’s older adult at a Floral Tea Party event recently in Crown Point. Older adults and volunteers made flower arrangements and then enjoyed tea together. Photo provided by Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly.

Headaches are a real pain

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

We’re surrounded by headaches.

Bustling traffic, noisy neighbors, relentless relatives, busybody bosses, and you’ll think of a few more.

Those aren’t really headaches, although they may be causes.

Most of us will suffer at least one headache this year.

While everyone has heard of migraines, only about one in 10 individuals suffer their blinding pain and the accompanying complaints, such

as sensitivity to light, noise and smells, nausea and upset stomach among others.

Sinus headaches usually are the result of infected sinuses and hover around the front of your face - forehead, nose and cheeks.

Cluster headaches hit about 1 percent of the population. They’re usually short but extremely painful and tend to occur in clusters - several times a day or at the same of time of day for several days.

Tension is the most common cause of the most common headaches. These

can be triggered by anxiety, allergies, eye strain and loss of sleep. You can also suffer such a headache after too much carousing the night before.

These types of headaches usually are a steady ache rather than a throbbing that’s a hallmark of many migraines. And, fortunately, they are the easiest to treat because they respond favorably to most over-the-counter pain relievers.

Erasing these attacks calls for learning how to relax mentally as well as physically. Getting enough sleep is a

good start. So is some form of regular exercise. Swimming, biking, walking and gardening are simple means to keep you moving enough to assure you of a good night’s sleep.

If you’re experiencing

*Not good with any other offers/specials. The price reflects all discounts/ rebates and PD deductibles/upgrade packages/technology package available at an extra cost. Ask Clear Ear for details.

headaches more than once a week for any reason, make an appointment with your primary-care physician to discuss their source and suggested solutions.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Solve sleeping problems

By JAMES GAFFNEY Mature Life Features

Most sleep problems are treatable, but some sleuthing might be necessary to find their source. Sleep isn’t a luxury. Restful sleep is just as important to health as adequate nutrition and exercise. Sleep is necessary to think clearly.

Studies have shown that being well rested improves the body’s response to infection. Evidence suggests that brains are hard at work during sleep,

Don’t

possibly forming the pathways necessary for learning, making new memories and insights and coming up with creative solutions to problems.

Inadequate sleep is linked to depression and irritability as well as diabetes, weight problems and cravings for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods.

Advising a physician about both insomnia and depression symptoms is important before determining a treatment plan.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

put on fat - process it

By JAMES GAFFNEY

Mature Life Features

Thanks to decades of research, outreach from the medical community and stern warnings from physicians, it has finally sunk in that too much bad cholesterol and other fats can lead to disease. What should not be overlooked is that our bodies need a certain amount of fat to function and we can’t make it from scratch.

Triglycerides, cholesterol and other essential fatty acids - the scientific term for fats the body can’t make on its own - store energy, insulate us and protect our vital organs. They act as messengers to help proteins do their jobs. They also trigger chemical reactions that help control growth, immune function, reproduction and other aspects of basic metabolism.

The cycle of making, breaking, storing and mobilizing fats is at the core of how humans and all animals regulate their energy. An imbalance in any step can result in disease, including heart disease and diabetes. For instance, having

too many triglycerides in our bloodstream raises the risk of clogged arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Fats also help the body stockpile certain nutrients. The so-called “fat-soluble” vitamins - A, D, E and K - are stored in the liver and in fatty tissues.

Despite fat’s importance, no one yet fully understands exactly how humans store it and call it into action.

Triglycerides, the main type of fat we consume, are especially suited for energy storage because they pack more than twice as much energy as carbohydrates or proteins.

Once triglycerides have been broken down during digestion, they are transported to cells through the bloodstream. Some of the fat is used for energy right away; the rest is stored.

When we need extra energy - when we run a marathon, for example - our bodies use enzymes to break down the stored triglycerides.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

Aperion Care - Demotte 10352 N. 600 E., Demotte, IN 46310

(219) 345-5211 • www.aperioncare.com

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Aperion Care - Tolleston Park

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- Merrillville | Memory Care

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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

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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

The Naples nobody knows

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

“Did you get to Pompeii?” That’s the first question everyone asks when they hear we’ve been to Naples.

Our answer is “No.” Nor did we head for tourist-trampled Positano on the affluent Amalfi Coast. Ditto for commercialized Capri.

But we did stroll around 2,800-year-old Cuma, the first Greek colony established on the Italian peninsula some 350 years before the founding of Naples.

It’s the images of these fortress-like ruins and nearby Pozzuoli, Sofia Loren’s birthplace, that appear when we think of Naples. As do memories of whisking through the crammed and crowded cobblestone streets of this cosmopolitan complex built at the base of Mount Vesuvius. The volcano on the southeastern edge of Naples is responsible for a couple of the world’s better-known ruinsPompeii and Herculaneum.

However, about 20 miles west of downtown Naples is Cuma, a sight that can satisfy both the avid and amateur archeologist. They can amble over and around the remains of temples to Apollo and Jove high on the acropolis that overlooks one of the most enthralling expanses of beach along the Mediterranean shore.

It was these soft waves rolling up against the softly curved shoreline and the natural hot springs that drew the Greeks here. It’s also the land of myth and magic that Virgil etched into legend. Both avid and amateur will get a kick out of walking through the 145-yard trapezoid tunnel hollowed out of the massive rock to the grotto of the Sybil, Apollo’s prophetic priestess who foretold Aeneas’s future.

On the drive to Cuma, you can stop at a roadside overlook

to peer down into Lake Avernus, which contemporaries of Homer and Virgil believed to be the entrance to Hades.

Before embarking on any of these jaunts, you have to sample the original modern pizza - the margherita. It’s available everywhere in Naples. While this type of flatbread dates back several centuries, it was in June 1889 that Neapolitan chef Raffaele Esposito created the Pizza Margherita in honor of Italy’s Queen consort, Margherita of Savoy, who was visiting the city. He garnished it with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, to represent the red, white and green Italian flag. He was the first to add cheese.

After washing down this palate-pleaser with wine and beer, it was time to dive into side dishes of fresh seafood, also available everywhere in this seaside city. Then it’s chased down with a toddy of the local favorite - the citrus-flavored liqueur limoncello, which is sipped as widely here as Starbucks coffee is in Seattle.

There are sites aplenty to see between snacks in this, the third-largest city in Italy.

We stopped at the il Vero Bar del Professore on the edge of the massive Piazza Plebiscito, the largest square in Naples. It was given that name after the plebiscite of 1870 that made Naples part of the Kingdom of

Italy under the House of Savoy. On one flank are the municipal palace and Real Teatro San Carlo, the opera house that has been operating continuously since 1737.

After sampling two specialties of il Vero Bar - a coffee with nut cream and a sfogliatelle (roll)we headed to San Severo Chapel to view The Veiled Christ, completed in 1753 by Giuseppe Sanmartino, reposed among more than two dozen other intriguing works of art.

Then we headed for the central metro station, dodging anything on wheels as we danced through the Piazza de Gesu, one of the city’s prettiest piazzas decorated with churches and

statues. The station is tucked firmly in a section locals call Calcutta because of the constant commotion created by vendors and vagrants, booths and bicycles, walkers and watchers. Our train took us to a stop within minutes of our bed-and-breakfast in Pozzuoli, a commune on Naples’s western border that was once the busiest seaport on this section of the Italian peninsula. It was here that St. Paul landed about 60 A.D. to establish a Christian community. A recently built waterfront park and walkway makes this one of the more pleasant promenades alongside the Mediterranean.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2026

ST. AGNES

Specializing in Alzheimer’s

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.”

THE LARGEST SQUARE Piazza Plebiscito is the largest square in Naples. Photo by Cecil Scaglione, Mature Life Features.

HEALTH CARE

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.

HEARING AID SVCS.

CLEAR EAR HEARING AID CENTER

827 W. 45th Avenue Griffin, IN 46319

(219) 934-9747

www.clearhearingaid.com

FREE Hearing Evaluations

FREE 3 Year Warranty & More

Many Insurance Plans Accepted Call For Details

(Nursing Home & In-Home Appointments Available)

See Our Ad In This Issue

HOME HEALTH CARE

VISITING ANGELS HOME CARE

2340 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 322-6100

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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.

HOSPICE CARE

FRANCISCAN HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

101 W. 61st Avenue, Hobart, IN 46342 (219) 945-8020

FranciscanHealth.org/Hospice

• Hospice services available in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke and Pulaski counties

• CHAP accredited

• Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance accepted

• Offering medical palliative care in the home for those still seeking treatment

As a non-profi t, we commit ourselves to practicing the words of our mission by serving your family & loved ones with dignity and compassionate 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.

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.

MEDICAL CLINIC

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

IGNITE 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

Palm Beach area delivers a mixture of glamour and laid-back appeal

By VICTOR BLOCK Guest Columnist

If there’s a destination in the United States with a more convergent personality than Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Singer Island, Fla., I can’t imagine where it is.

One morning, during my recent visit, I observed nattily dressed men and women playing the genteel game of croquet. That pastime traces its roots to England in the 1860s, when it became a popular, socially accepted form of leisure.

That afternoon, I watched a polo match, a sport that originated in ancient Persia more than 2,000 years ago and became known as “the Sport of Kings.”

Come evening, I ate dinner at one of numerous dive bars which are dotted throughout the community. They compete for customers with fine-dining establishments that offer excellent food at sometimes excessive prices.

This diversity is one of the Palm Beach area’s most inviting traits. The region introduces visitors to a smorgasbord of things to do and see, ranging from upscale to underprivileged, from man-made attractions to nature’s magnificent handiworks.

For starters, Florida means inviting seashores, and this location has its share of them. For a

Check out all of our publications online: inkfreenews.com thepapersonline.com themailjournal.com shoppingguidenews.com autorv.com themunicipal.com lakelifemagazine.com homelivingplacesandspaces.com seniorlifenewspapers.com

serene setting and calm waters, head for Sandy Point Beach. Trails meander inland, crossing dunes and coastal hammocks, and this stretch of sand offers excellent shelling. Ocean Reef Park is often pounded by powerful waves that challenge all but the most accomplished swimmers. This oceanfront location attracted Native Americans 3,000 years ago. Evidence of their habitation includes a burial mound and cemeteries.

In the late 1800s, Standard Oil tycoon Henry Flagler constructed three resort hotels that transformed the tropical landscape into a winter retreat for the wealthy. In 1902, he built a spectacular mansion as a gift for his bride, a Beaux-Arts–styled manor adorned with pink aluminum-leaf wallpaper. The 4,750-square-foot Grand Hall, library with its painted cast plaster ceiling and silk- and woodlined drawing room give visitors a feel for the opulent lifestyle of that era.

Palm Beach continues to live up to its reputation as a retreat for the superrich. Forbes magazine has reported that the city is home to at least 30 billionaires. As I strolled along Worth Avenue, past high-end stores like Valentino, Versace and Ralph Lauren, I agreed with its description as one of the most beautiful shopping venues in the country.

I also enjoyed the balance provided by stores, restaurants, bars and other establishments that cater to locals. Along with their local vibe, they offer opportunities to mingle with residents, who can recommend below-the-radar places to see and things to do that visitors otherwise might miss.

In an area where technicolor flowers and multihued foliage grow wild, gardens might seem redundant. However, formal plantings add an inviting painter’s palette to the landscape.

Gardens add a human touche to nature’s handiwork. Norton was a renowned sculpture whose works are displayed among some 250 species of rare tropical palms and native plants, as well as in her home.

Wildlife also abounds at this destination. The John McArthur Beach State Park offers sightings of sea turtles, osprey and pelicans. Hikers in Phil Foster Park frequently encounter gopher tortoises and herons. Droll-looking mammals known as sea cows congregate in large numbers in Manatee Lagoon. In the visitor center there, I enjoyed close-up views of the animals as they ate lettuce and vegetables.

Getting close up and personal with those endearing creatures is just one opportunity among many to meet and mingle with the denizens of the Palm Beach area. Other experiences range from reliving the Gilded Age of high society to enjoying magnificent natural settings to checking out fun and funky places at which to sup and sip. For more information, visit thepalmbeaches.com.

FLAGLER MUSEUM This museum was originally built in 1902 for Standard Oil tycoon Henry Flagler for his bride. The museum features a painted cast plaster ceiling and many other styles showing the opulent lifestyle of that area. Photo by Aleksandt Dyskin, Dreasmstime.com

NORTON’S SCULPTURES DISPLAYED Renowned sculpture Ann Norton’s works are displayed among 250 species of nature’s handiwork at the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden. Photo by Fyllis Hockman.

RELAXING ON THE BEACH Cabanas dot Riviera Beach where visitors can bask in the sun and relax after visiting the Marina Village, Manatee Lagoon or Phil Foster Park’s underwater snorkel trail. Photo by Victor Block.

ENJOY THE BEACH Enjoy a walk along Riviera Beach or just play in the sand. Photo by Victor Block.

UPSCALE SHOPS Palm Beach lives up to its reputation as a retreat for the superrich. Worth Avenue includes high-end stores like Valentino, Versace and Ralph Lauren. Photo by Zhukovsky, Dreamstime. com

The Ann Norton Sculpture