Senior Life - St. Joseph - April 2025

Free Living Life After 50

Rock Steady Boxing Michiana:

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

Michael Hoover had been living with Parkinson’s for six years when his wife discovered Rock Steady Boxing Michiana. Isolated and spending most of his time at home, Hoover wasn’t sure what to expect when he walked through the doors. But what he found changed his life.

“It was overwhelming — in a good way,” Hoover said. “I had never met anyone else with Parkinson’s before, and when I came in and there’s like 40 people with Parkinson’s, (I was) like ‘Whoa!’ So it’s an emotional support group.”

DUCK-UNDER DRILLS Rock

Steady Boxing Michiana members take turns ducking and swinging over their partners’ head. These exercises improve coordination and head movement. In front from left are John Grcich and John Dalby. In back are Bill Kramer and Rick Blake.

THROWING DOWN Heather Moriconi works out with a small exercise ball. In each session, members take turns doing seven different workouts targeting each part of their body.

That’s the heart of Rock Steady Boxing Michiana, a

South Bend gym designed for people with Parkinson’s disease. More than just a boxing-inspired workout space, it’s a community where members push back against the disease together.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S., including celebrities like Michael J. Fox and Neil Diamond. The disease damages nerve cells in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiff posture and slowed movement. While medications help manage symptoms, research suggests exercise is the most effective way to slow progression. That’s where Rock Steady comes in.

The program began when Scott Newman, a former Mar-

ion County prosecutor in Indianapolis, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 40. A friend and former boxer, Vince Perez, encouraged him to train. After six weeks of intense workouts, Newman found he could once again sign his name.

Realizing they were onto something, Newman and former champion boxer Kristy Follmar launched the first Rock Steady Boxing gym in 2006. Since then, the movement has grown to over 900 locations worldwide.

Rock Steady Michiana, the 129th location, opened in 2016 thanks to Phil Miller and Don Sheliga. Sheliga had Parkinson’s, while Miller’s son Todd had the disorder, so they knew firsthand the need for a supportive exercise program.

At the end of every

The gym started with just three members but has grown to over 80 today. Twice a week, members gather for warm-ups, a series of circuit-style exercis-

Protect What Matters Most

es and rounds on the punching bags. While the workout improves strength, balance and speed,

Text and photos

PUNCHING OUT

session, Rock Steady Boxing Michiana members go toe-to-toe with punching bags. From left are Neil Siefert and Craig Blue.

Duane Wilson leads the Northern Indiana Boys and Girls Club

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

For Duane Wilson, leading the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Indiana Corridor is about more than managing an organization — it’s about transforming lives.

Wilson wants “the students that attends our programs (to) have great experiences, because they’ve had great opportunities they’ve never had before.”

Northern Indiana’s clubs are part of a national organization that help struggling students. In the communities

organization efficiency prepared him for this role.

Wilson served 13 years in the U.S. military and Air Force, gaining experience working with many different types of people.

Earning degrees in social psychology and educational leadership, he worked as a teacher and administrator at Clay High School before spending a decade at the University of Notre Dame and as an internal consultant working in continuous improvement projects.

His five years as Chief Operating Officer of the Boys and

down approach.

“We don’t propose that we know the community,” he explains. “We get to know the community from people who know the community.”

This philosophy drives partnerships with schools, donors and local organizations. For instance, a community-specific fundraiser in Monticello and White County ensures that the region benefits from local investment.

Education is a central focus of Wilson’s leadership. The Boys and Girls Club’s STRIVE program, launched in August 2021 while Duane was OOP, saw 64% of participating students improve in literacy, while 69% saw gains in math. These results stem, according to Wilson, from partnerships with the Robinson Community Learning Center and River Bend Math.

“(River Bend) does a great job of taking these complex principles, distilling them down and making them tangible,” Duane says, “fun for the

Seeing a need for literacy improvement — especially with Indiana’s recent policy holding back second- and third-graders who do not pass standardized IREAD test — the club launched a Summer Learning Lab program last

This initiative aims to boost literacy rates and help students succeed with standard-

MORE THAN THEY COULD BE Duane Wilson is the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Indiana Corridor. Previously having served as the chief operating officer, Wilson’s leadership philosophy is “Inspire people to be more than they thought they could be.” Photo by Boys and Girls Club of Northern Indiana.

ized tests. Wilson has said he wants the Northern Indiana Boys

and Girls Club to become a national thought leader in youth development. One key initiative is the Impact program, which employs counselors and psychologists to address students’ emotional health — a major part of academic success.

“What motivates me is when students are ignited to see themselves and their capabilities,” Wilson explains, “beyond where they thought they could be.”

Another project is the Leadership Center, set to start in the 2025-26 school year. This program will provide an alternative to expulsion or suspension for high school students, offering academic, character and leadership development.

A similar academy for middle school will focus on struggling students’ transition into high school.

Whether it’s students, staff or community partners, Wilson wants others to recognize and reach their potential. His leadership philosophy is simple:

“Inspire people to be more than they thought they could be,” Wilson said.

Grief is an individual experience

Grief is a very individual experience, or as I like to say, “it is the same but different for everyone.” Sometime in our life we will all lose someone that we hold dear to us, a spouse, parent, sibling or good friend and it will impact on our life significantly. It will change our view of life and how we understand life but in different ways depending on our personality, age and our view of life. As we begin to understand that even though it is painful, grief can lead to a deeper appreciation for life and living. It can help strengthen our desire to move on leading meaningful, full lives.

The important part of “moving on” is understanding that grief is all about love. After all, we only grieve for those that we loved, whether it be a spouse, family member, a relationship or even a family pet. If we are experiencing deep grief, it is because we experience deep love. We can never lose what we loved so deeply because it becomes part of us.

“To become a deeper man is the privilege of those who have suffered.”

- Oscar Wilde I have learned over the past years on my grief journey that a griever must find a way to express himself, to find the words. Then they

Rock steady

Continued from page 1

the biggest benefit isn’t just physical. “Truth is, all the exercises can be done at home,” said Miller. “But the real magic is what these folks are doing for each other.”

Tamara and Hilary Asher, who are in their first month of membership, felt that connection immediately. “They spent over an hour with us, explaining everything,” Tamara said. “We learned more from them (about living with Parkinson’s) than we did from the doctors.” Hilary agreed. “These people know how to live with Parkinson’s. Everybody’s friendly, everybody’s in the same boat.”

While only Hilary has Parkinson’s, he and Tamara attend sessions together.

Rock Steady encourages couples to train together, ensuring support both in and out of the gym. The workouts help reinforce neural pathways between the brain and body, fighting the loss of dopamine that causes movement difficulties. And for many, the benefits go far beyond exercise.

“It saved my life,” Hoover said.

For more information on joining Rock Steady Boxing Michiana as a member or coach, call (574) 286-6731 or visit RockSteadyBoxingMichiana.com.

must share their feelings and say those words, and of course they need to know those words have been heard.

“Grief shared is halved, Joy shared is doubled.”

- An old proverb

In the process of writing my book, “Balloon in a Box,” I understand it can be hard to put into words the wide range of emotions that the griever is experiencing. Those emotions may include sadness, loneliness, regret, guilt, anger, and sadness, among many. Please note that I said it may include these as I have been told by many that they have not experienced all of these emotions. As an example, several people have shared that they have never experienced anger.

“Grief is like living two lives. One is where you pretend that everything is alright and the other is where your heart

ROSE Author and Speaker Coping with Grief

silently screams out in pain.”

- Author unknown

Our individual experiences with grief may depend upon our support from family and friends. But most importantly the depth of our religious beliefs. God will help, just

ask! He will not abandon you during your time of grief. He will always be there; all you need to do is go to him. With God as our driver on the journey we may encounter less potholes and bumps in the road. Having Him with us makes the journey a lot smoother.

“Hear my cry O God; Attend my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to you.

When my heart is overwhelmed

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Surviving grief may require making changes in the way we live our life. We must learn to move past the emotions of grief, in particular guilt and regret. We must face the reality that life continues and we must embrace the changes. Yes, life continues... embrace the changes

Keep the weather out of the house

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Take a few tours around the house to see what needs repairing. You might have noticed readily that the screen door needs replacing and the back porch should be repainted, and those steps need to be repaired.

If you haven’t noticed the

following yet, you might check it out.

Manually check the frames of all windows and doors to see if they leak and you can feel a draft. Repairing them can save you a lot of money by lowering air-conditioning bills during hot weather and less heating cost in the cold season

Mature Life Features

INDEPENDENT LIVING

St. Paul’s Independent Living apartments provide convenience and freedom within a warm and friendly environment.

ASSISTED LIVING

Our Assisted Living apartments offer seniors all the benefits of a St. Paul’s lifestyle with the added security of 24-hour support and assistance from our nursing staff.

MEMORY CARE

We offer advanced care and all-inclusive pricing in a neighborhood-style setting with private suites and numerous

TOM

At 74, author Bob Johnson is just getting started

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

Bob Johnson’s path to becoming a published author was anything but conventional. After earning his MFA from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, Johnson worked in television and education before returning to writing full-time in retirement.

Now, at 74, he has published “The Continental Divide,” a collection of 14 short

stories all written after he turned 62.

Johnson first disovered his love of writing in school, where he was, according to himself, “not a very good student.” Unable to focus, Johnson nonetheless felt he was good with words.

So it came as little surprise when he discovered as head resident in a Goshen College dorm his enthusiasm for writing short stories.

Johnson went to an Indiana

CORPORATE OFFICE

University writer’s conference, where a man named Leonard Michaels offered to help him enter the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. Despite his inexperience while surrounded by classmates “from Yale and Harvard,” as Johnson put it, his passion for writing helped him graduate.

Almost immediately after graduating, Johnson found himself working at a Cedar Rapids CBS station to support a baby on the way. He found he had no time to write.

“I tell people I’ve never been a multi-tasker,” Johnson said. “So, I essentially put down my writing pen for practically 30 to 40 years.”

Johnson’s career took him from the classroom as an English professor at Goshen College, to the newsroom of WSBT-TV in South Bend, where he was an operations manager overseeing a large staff and million-dollar budgets.

But despite his success in these fields, the desire to write never faded.

The moment that reignited his passion came over lunch with a former coworker.

“I was lamenting to him that now I had all this freedom and I’m not writing. And there was a bag of unshelled peanuts between us. And he lifted up a fistful, a handful of these peanuts and said, ‘Write about these nuts.’ And it was just like a bolt from the blue,” Johnson remembered.

The Papers Incorporated, 206 S. Main St., P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 STAFF

That prompt led to a short story, “These Nuts,” which was later published and marked the beginning of his second act as a writer.

His recent debut novel is a collection of stories exploring themes of division — between good and evil, sin and redemption, men and women.

The book’s title, “The Continental Divide,” reflects those

tensions. It describes both the physical St. Lawrence Divide in Northern Indiana where the stories are set and the personal struggles of his characters.

“I had a reviewer who blurbed my collection that said, ‘Bob writes about the Midwest no one talks about,’” he said. “I actually don’t quite agree ... good and evil walk hand in hand wherever people congregate. And I was just writing my version of it.”

Despite his success, includ-

ing winning the Marguerite McGlinn Prize for Fiction for short story “Bird Fever” and a review of his book in The New York Times, Johnson remains focused on his craft. He writes daily, from 9 a.m. to noon and spends afternoons reading.

“For those who fear that a dream deferred is a dream lost,” Johnson says, “my story is an example of it’s never too late.”

The Continental Divide is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Ron Baumgartner, Publisher rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

Annette Weaver, Business Manager aweaver@the-papers.com

Kristin DeVittorio, Director Of Marketing kdevittorio@the-papers.com

Deb Patterson, Editor-In-Chief dpatterson@the-papers.com

Phoebe Muthart, Editor pmuthart@the-papers.com

Publication Manager/Account Executive Marla Schroeder mschroeder@the-papers.com • 574-350-4488

Jerry Long, Circulation Manager jlong@the-papers.com

EDITORIAL DEADLINES

Elkhart/Kosciusko Edition

Joseph Edition

Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $37 for one year; and $64 for two years. (Select one edition.) Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt. a subscription, call 574-658-4111.

For advertising deadlines call your sales representative. The existence of advertising in Senior Life is not meant as an endorsement of any product, services or individuals by anyone except the advertisers. Signed letters or columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. To advertise contact Marla Schro eder at 574-350-4488 or mschroeder@the-papers.com.

PRODUCTION

Senior Life is digitally composed on

Memory Care

NEW CHAPTER At 74, Michiana native Bob Johnson has published his first book after decades of working in education and TV. Johnson writes about the struggles of characters in extreme circumstances, exploring themes he maintains are universal. Photo provided by Bob Johnson.

Elkhart County Active Aging, Wellness Resource Fair April 17

The free Elkhart County Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Elkhart County Community Center, Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D CR 34, Goshen.

Parking and admission are free, as well as health screenings and resources, information to stay active and healthy, veterans’ resources, entertainment and raffle prizes.

Interact With Local Resources

People can speak with 75-plus local aging resources on site to help you transition seamlessly through the best phase of life. This is a “onestop-shopping” experience for community members looking to connect with valuable local resources.

Attendees will learn about the community’s various services, programs, and support. Whether you’re seeking health-related information, legal advice, or social services, this event will offer a wealth of knowledge. Come for the resources, stay for the free entertainment.

“An event like this will help you foster connections. You can meet professionals, community members, and organizations working together to support our aging population,” said Malana Maher, president and founder of ACOM. “So, whether you’re a senior or assisting an older family member, this event will help you discover services you might not know exist.”

As the area’s leading aging resource organization, Aging Connections connects individuals with the services and providers that best meet their current needs.

“So, we encourage everyone to attend this free event to discover caring professionals who can help you navigate the continuum of care,” said Maher.

Founded in 2020, Aging Connections is a nonprofit, grassroots cooperative of individuals and organizations working together to catalyze and promote their work programs. Their programs include educational events, business promotion, community and relationship building, and serving the aging population, for the benefit of each other, other professionals, and communities.

Aging Connections currently serves northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan, including St. Joseph and Elkhart counties.

For additional information regarding Aging Connections or to see updated event information, visit agingconnections.org.

FREE WELLNESS FAIR — The free Elkhart County Active Aging and Wellness Resource Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Elkhart County Community Center, Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen. Photo provided by Aging Connections of Michiana.

Blanche Greene finds the exercise program meant for her

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

When Blanche Greene moved to South Bend it was to be closer to her grandchildren. The move also helped her find routine to improve her health and wellness in the area. Greene is a regular at the Silver Sneakers class at the YMCA O’Brien Center.

“It’s a great class. I love the people. They are wonderful; the instructors are wonderful. We get good workout for 45 minutes,” Greene said. “I’ve tried others and I keep going back to his one.”

Greene joined the class when she turned 65 and appreciated how her fellow classmates and instructors welcomed her in.

“The people are wonderful. They are regulars and (when) we get a new person, we want to make that person feel comfortable,” Greene said. “You’re here and you’re moving. You don’t compare yourselves to other people. You just do what you can do. Nobody judges anybody. We do what we can and have a good time doing it.”

Greene and her late husband, Jim, called Michigan home for over 50 years. While they were in Wolverine territory, their family is forever linked to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

“All of my children ended up going to Notre Dame for various degrees and our kids and our grandkids brought us to the area,” Greene said. Her son, Matt, was very involved at Notre Dame during his time as a student in the marching band. Her two daughters, Sarah and Allie, both work at Notre Dame. In all, Greene has six grandchildren in the area.

“My son was in the marching band. That was a blast. We had a great time going to the games and watching him at the games,” Greene said.

One of her daughters helped Greene get started with the Silver Sneakers class.

“My daughter looked up the classes and she said we are going to try this class out. I was totally lost. I kept at it and things became normal and routine,” Greene said.

The Silver Sneakers class Greene is in specializes as a low-impact exercise. The routine includes stretching, resistance bands and working with weights. All exercises are aimed at improving the range of motion for daily living. Greene says the exercises improve her lower body, upper body and core strength.

“It’s been great, I have

more energy. I look forward to the workout. I know that I’m stronger. I know that my balance is better,” Greene said. “Overall, I know that I’m in better shape than when I started the class.”

Greene says Medicare covers the cost of her membership to the YMCA O’Brien Center, but she also pays for

a personal trainer for a short session once a week as well.

For fellow seniors considering improving their health and wellness, Greene feels confident that joining a senior fitness class will help anyone with a similar goal. She also enjoys learning more about the community through her classmates.

“Try it. If the low-impact class doesn’t work for you, there are many other classes that are available. I have tried others too but I keep going back to this one. Just do it. Just get there,” Greene said. “Senior citizens have a lot of information and they like to share it. Such as what’s coming up in town.”

Are you the primary caregiver for a loved one? Noticing changes or concerned about leaving them alone? It may be time to consider assisted living. Moving to assisted living often improves health – better meals, restful sleep, and support from caring staff. Call today to learn about our assisted living apartments.

KEEP MOVING — Blanche Greene, front, takes part in a Silver Sneakers class at the YMCA O’Brien Center. Photo provided by the YMCA O’Brien Center.

70s Flashback — Were Redenbacher and Bowman charged

Imagine, for a few moments, that you are a fly on the wall. It’s 1970 and you’re in the offices of a top-rated Chicago marketing and advertising firm. Folks there are listening attentively to Orville Redenbacher, a Purdue University-educated agricultural scientist with a somewhat goofy — almost cartoonish — appearance.

By RANDAL C. HILL

For three hours, Redenbacher has gleefully extolled the virtues of the “gourmet” popping corn he and his business partner Charles Bowman call Red Bow, a blending of their last names. “Reddy,” as he calls himself, is there to learn the best marketing strategies for their product, which has never sold very well.

At the end of the meeting, Redenbacher is told to come back in one week for the recommendations.

What he is told later leaves him almost gasping

in disbelief. According to the Windy City wise men, he and Bowman should rename their product Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet popping corn. And, even more importantly, that Redenbacher’s grinning “country bumpkin” image — wavy, snow-white hair; thick, horned-rim glasses and an absurdly oversize bow tie — should grace the front of every package.

Redenbacher is then handed a bill for $13,000 (about $105,000 in today’s currency).

Ouch!

He pays the fee while silently fuming and undoubtedly thinking, THIS is what we’re being charged for seven days’ worth of collaboration from a highly recommended advertising team?

But, as it turned out, the unorthodox advice was akin to hitting a home run with the bases loaded. Before long, America’s newest celebrity was appearing in national TV ads, smiling broadly and proclaiming, “You’ll like it better or my name isn’t Orville Redenbacher.”

As a result, the scrumptious snack flew off grocery shelves everywhere, and by the mid-1970s the brand had

captured one-third of the lucrative popcorn market — proof that snack-loving customers were willing to shell out more cash for popcorn that was larger, lighter, more flavorful and left few, if any, unpopped kernels.

Popcorn had always fascinated Indiana-born Orville Clarence Redenbacher. Named after aviation pioneer Orville Wright, Redenbacher partnered with Charles Bowman, a fellow Purdue agricultural graduate. Together, they bought a small corn-seed company and set about toiling six

long years and experimenting with over 30,000 popping-corn hybrids before declaring in 1965 that they had reached popcorn paradise with what they felt was the ideal product.

Their original offering — Red Bow Gourmet popping corn — soon appeared on market shelves. When buyers saw the higher price, though, they pretty much ignored it.

In 1970, Redenbacher and Bowman decided they needed guidance from savvy marketeers. So Orville traveled to Chicago, where he met with

the marketing team. Were the Hoosier State partners charged too much for the unorthodox suggestions? Before you answer, consider this: In 1976, food giant Hunt and Wesson paid $4 million to buy the thriving company. ($4 million = $22 million in today’s cash.)

Yet Redenbacher always grumbled that he had been charged a fortune for the name that his mother had thought up when Orville was born back in 1907. Thanks, Mom. You did your part.

Professional Forum

Q. What’s coming in April?

April brings not only showers that nurture May flowers but also two significant events for seniors in Michiana. We invite you to listen to the April episodes of the Senior Talk Michiana podcast.

A. On the April 7th episode, we welcome Malana Maher from Aging Connections of Michiana, who will provide insights into the upcoming 2025 Active Aging & Wellness Resource Fair, scheduled for April 17th at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds.

Our April 14th episode features Brock Rose, the director of the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, sharing details about the highly anticipated 2025 Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival, taking place from April 25th to 27th. This year, the festival introduces the Senior Oasis, sponsored by Goshen Health and Senior Talk Michiana.

Tom Rose

Author & Speaker Balloon in a Box

Coping with Grief Grief Group Facilitator

Senior Talk Michiana, sponsored by Aging Connections of Michiana, Senior Life Newspapers, and Goshen Home Medical, is specifically designed to cater to seniors, providing essential information about services and organizations available in the Michiana area. Listeners can easily access the podcast through free subscriptions on platforms such as Spotify and Facebook.

Additional episodes can also be found at: www.thomaslrose.com/senior-talk.

Rose and Rose Associates

Senior Talk Michiana

574-596-6256

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

Advertising in Senior Life Works!!

Q. What is the likelihood I will get a response if placing an ad in Senior Life?

A. If your product or service is geared to adults over the age of 50, Senior Life is the newspaper for you! According to CVC, our readers average 45 years of age and older and frequently purchase products or services from the ads they see in Senior Life (74.8%). Call or send me an email today to discuss adding Senior Life into your marketing strategy.

Tom Rose

AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST Orville Redenbacher was a Purdue University-educated agricultural scientist. Photo from Purdue University.

April Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library programs for adults

Below is the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library April calendar of events for adults. Registration can be secured at (574) 259-5277; check mphpl.org for the most up-todate information regarding events or to register. Registration is required for most programs.

Bittersweet Branch Events

Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16. Join MPHPL for an hour of bingo and beverages. Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize.

“Earth Day Seed Swap,” 10:3011:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 22. Cel-

ebrate Earth Day by swapping seeds and making a floral craft you can take home. Attendees are encouraged to bring seeds to swap; the library will be providing some seeds as well.

Harris Branch Events

“Chapter Chats Book Club,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 10. “Moloka’i” by Alan Brennert, can be picked up in advance at the front desk.

“Needle Felting: Flowers,”

10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26. Enjoy a morning of crafting and conversation while learning the relaxing art of needle felting. Participants will use an assort-

ment of colors of felt to create a one-of-a-kind flower scene that is perfect for spring decorating.

Mishawaka Library Events Saturday Morning Book Club, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, April 5. “Weyward” by Emilia Hart can be picked up in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library.

“American Heritage Spotlight,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8. The Potawatomi Zoo has a rich history that dates back to 1921. What was once a small community zoo has evolved into a prominent regional destination. Discover the zoo’s journey over the past century and learn about its future as a representative from the Potawatomi Zoo presents “Potawatomi Zoo-:A Revitalized Regional Destination.”

a.m. Thursday, April 17. Discover easy and delicious ways to incorporate more protein into your everyday diet, featuring Greek yogurt as the program’s star; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

“Cooking Classics: Cowboy Mushrooms,” 4:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, April 21. Explore easy culinary creations by using various flavors to make irresistibly delicious food; limited to MPHPL cardholders.

work. Light refreshments will be served. This event is co-presented by MPHPL and the Kurt and Tessye Simon Foundation for Holocaust Remembrance.

An exhibition of student art and creative writing will be on display in the library’s lower level atrium from April 24-30, during regular hours of operation. Each piece on display is inspired by the personal stories of Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in the Michiana area. Learn more at peoplenextdoor. org.

“Ask a Lawyer,” 1-4 p.m. Monday, April 28. Volunteers from the Volunteer Lawyer Network, Inc. will provide free legal advice to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Attendees are encouraged to bring all pertinent information and documents. Granger Paths 17th Annual 5K and 1-Mile Walk

Saturday, May 3rd

WHAT?

Granger Path 5k run and 1 mile fun run/walk in support of Friends of Granger Paths.

On-site Registration 8-9 a.m. Race starts @ 9:30 a.m. For discounted online early registration and details, visit grangerpaths.org

“Hidden Protein,” 10:30-11:30

“The People Next Door: Witnessing the Holocaust,” will be from 5-6:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. Join local students as they showcase their entries in “The People Next Door” Student Art and Creative Writing Contest. Following the opening remarks, contest winners will be announced and select students will discuss or read their

SJCP seeking community input for new county park

St. Joseph County Parks is developing a new county park, located in Granger on Anderson Road, and is seeking involvement from the community to obtain input on park services and amenities.

Working with county officials and local design firm, DLZ, a short online public survey is available at the St. Joseph County Parks website at sjcparks.org or on the St. Joseph County website at sjcindiana. gov.

Three, public open house forums will be held throughout the design process. All forums will take place at Discovery Middle School,10050 Brummitt Road, Granger, and are from 6-8 p.m April 24 and May 29.

“Responses to the survey and

Creativity is Timeless Contest & Exhibit

Joseph County • May 22-30, 2025

Registration forms available at Southfield Village and must be submitted by May 6. Call Rochelle at 574-807-8316 for more information.

Open to ALL St. Joseph County Seniors age 55 and older. Artwork will be on display at Southfield Village. Categories include:

• Painting & Drawing

• Photography

• Needlework/Soft Crafts

• Hard Crafts (Woodworking, Sculpture, Ceramic)

feedback at the public open house forums help us gauge what programs and amenities the community is interested in and what they would like to see in a new County Park,” said Steve Slauson, St. Joseph County Parks director. “It’s been 40 years since St. Joseph County has developed a new county park and we are excited to bring a new park onboard.”

Hiking trails? Adventure programming? Nature activities? Picnic shelters? What would you like to see at this new County Park? Share input to help guide

the future vision of this park that will positively impact the community for generations to come.

The Anderson Road property is 115.5 acres. It was purchased by the St. Joseph County Parks in 1999 and is in the northeast corner of St. Joseph County in Granger.

Additional inquiries about the development of this new county park may be directed to the St. Joseph County Parks Administrative Office by calling (574) 277-4828 or by e-mailing stjosephcountyparks@sjcparks.org.

St. Patrick’s County Park to host mandala art program

St. Patrick’s County Park will present a workshop about nature mandalas from noon-3 p.m. April 12, at the Hurwich Shelter.

The cost for the program is $5 per person with registration and payment due by April 9.

Learn about these geometric designs made from found ob-

jects in nature. Design elements and responsible trail placement will be discussed, and materials are provided to create initial designs before heading out onto the trails.

St. Patrick’s County Park is located at 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend. For payment and registration, call (574) 654-3155.

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA

Editor’s note: Send listings of events, for nonprofit organizations only, to Senior Life, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542, or email Editor Phoebe Muthart by the 15th of every month at pmuthart@the-papers.com. With the listing, include the contact person, area code and phone number.

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The South Bend Symphony Orchestra invites music lovers to “Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend. It’s under the leadership of Music Director Alastair Willis and guest artist, internationally-renowned bandoneón virtuoso, Héctor Del Curto.

Subscriptions/tickets start at $24 and range to $74. Buy online at morriscenter.org; call Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office, (574) 235-9190 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and

Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday); or in-person, Morris Box Office, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, during the times listed above or two hours before any performance. To view the 2024-25 season schedule, visit southbendsymphony.org.

—o—

“Birding for Beginners” at the Unity Gardens is Saturday, April 12. Enjoy the bird life in your yard or garden. A park naturalist will acquaint you with birds common to gardens and even some of their songs. You will also learn tips and tricks for identifying birds on your own. A bird hike through the Unity Gardens will follow the presentation. Bring binoculars if you have them. Some loaners will be available. It is from 9-11 a.m., at Unity Gardens’ LaSalle Square Welcome Center, 3701 Prast Blvd., South

Bend, and is free.

—o—

Easter Egg Hike is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at St. Patrick’s County Park, 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend. Hop on over for this fun Easter egg hunt and hike. Search for Easter eggs along a one-mile trail, then trade them in for treats. Don’t forget to bring baskets. Cost is $5 per child. Registration and payment required by April 16. Call (574) 654-3155 to register.

—o—

Red Barn Rummage Sale is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at St. Patrick’s County Park, 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend. Shop through a barn full of treasures. This annual event is organized by the South Bend-Elkhart Bird Alliance (formerly the South BendElkhart Audubon Society).

Drop off donations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 23-24 or 8 a.m.

Apartment Living

to 1 p.m. April 25. Electronics and sofas are not accepted. For more information, contact Martha at (574) 360-7983.

—o—

The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra 20th Annual Hoosier Star vocal competition is Sept. 13, at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium. It will feature the adult winners from the nine prior Hoosier Star competitions who will compete for the prestigious title “Hoosier Star of Stars” as well as a cash prize.

The finalists will sing their winning songs, accompanied by the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Dr. Carolyn Watson.

The finalists are: Alyssa Atkinson, South Bend (2024 winner); Kelly Staton, Griffith (2023); Julia Thorn, Crown Point (2022); Jarynn Sampson, South Bend (2021); Alyse Flores, LaPorte (2020); Joe

Stewart, Michigan City (2019); Mike Green, LaPorte (2018); Julia Campoli-Biek, South Bend (2017); and James Neary, LaPorte (2016).

The event also serves as a fundraiser for the LCSO; last year’s event raised nearly $50,000 for the symphony’s mission.

There will be no auditions for Hoosier Star this year. Interested parties are encouraged to check the LCSO website in January 2026 for information about Hoosier Star 2026 auditions, which will take place in March 2026.

—o—

Wild Ones South Bend chapter is holding its native plant sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Pinhook Park in South Bend. Area nurseries and greenhouses will be selling native flowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses. Wild Ones Continued on page 10

George Azar eager to fulfill the mission at Forever Learning Institute

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

It’s a quote George Azar takes to heart since taking over as executive director at the Forever Learning Institute. “Service adds years to your life, and life to your years,” was said by Louis J. Putz, a priest at Holy Cross. Putz founded the organization 1974.

“He had a vision for supporting people in the third age. This is the age where you give back. What he wanted to do is create a place where seniors can come together,” Azar said.

The task of maintaining the mission from their founding priest is a challenge Azar is wanting to take on.

“To explore learning, community and spiritual growth as well. We have classes in religion too. We don’t shy away from that. We want to keep his mission,” Azar said.

Azar spent 20 years in education in the South Bend Area. Azar has spent time as a teacher and even a school principal in the area. Schools he has worked at include South Bend Adams High School, Rise Up Academy, Lasalle Intermediate, and St. Joseph Grade School. After the COVID-19 pandemic

made its way through the state, Azar, his wife Joanna, and his family decided it was time for a change. The Azars relocated to North Carolina near Charlotte. However, the connections to South Bend proved to be too strong. The family moved back to South Bend in 2024.

“Gone for three years. My wife and I grew up in this community and I think it just called us back. We are jokingly calling it a three year sabbatical,” Azar said.

When Azar moved back he would later learn about the opening at the Forever Learning Institute. He saw it as a great way to serve the community that called him back and he accepted his new role in October.

“We serve a population that is under served in this community. We don’t have a senior center in south bend that is hard to believe,” Azar said. “We just get great joy of providing a need. We’re filling a void.”

The Forever Learning Institute is housed within the parish center of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church.

“We have a good relationship with them. They get good exposure to our students too,” Azar said.

People over the age of 50 are eligible to take regular classes that meet twice a week. Azar says the topics of the classes have a wide range.

“People here teach things like Superman, Seinfeld, pickleball, if you can think of it, there is a class for it,” Azar said. “We are always looking for new instructors, who want to teach their passion.”

Azar says he really appreciates the travel opportunities the Forever Learning Institute offers seniors. Some are close to home with the South Bend Cubs while others include trips to Europe.

Personally, Azar is glad to have found a role where he can serve seniors in the area long term.

“It’s great to be working with seniors and it’s great to be working in the non-profit sector,” Azar said. “There is a lot of passion with what we do from board members, students and instructors. It’s been really awesome to hear what people are passionate about and what we do here.”

When shirt happens

This past week, I did a little shopping to find some warm apparel for our trip to Iceland. I don’t like buying new clothes because I always seem to spill something on them.

By DICK WOLFSIE

If I enjoy my meal at a particular restaurant, I wear the same shirt the next time I am there. When the waiter asks what I’d like for dinner and I have trouble remembering the great choice I made the previous time, I just point to the appropriate spot on my shirt. The server knows exactly what I want.

Mary Ellen also went shopping for our vacation. A woman’s shopping spree lasts longer than a man’s, so I was home for about two hours before Mary Ellen pulled into the driveway. When she walked into the house, I was trying on a pair of pants I had purchased.

“You have a stain on your pants,” said Mary Ellen.

“That’s impossible. I haven’t even worn them yet.”

“They must really know their customers at Macy’s. They prestained them for you.”

“Well, I guess I can’t wear those to dinner,” I said, hoping to return them and get my money back.

“I think you should wear them, anyway,” said Mary Ellen. “You’re missing a few food groups in your collection. That may be something new you’ve never spilled.”

Then, I reached into the package and pulled out the flannel shirt I had also bought. This was perfect for our trip.

“That’s another bad choice,” said Mary Ellen.

“Why?”

“It has a smudge under the second button.”

Sure enough, once again I had purchased something brand new that had somehow anticipated its unavoidable destiny to be dripped on.

“Wait a second, Mary Ellen, my tie will cover the problem.”

“That’s super idea, Dick, a tie with a flannel shirt. It’s too bad the Mickey Mouse tie you

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS IN THE AREA

Continued from page 9

will be distributing free native tree saplings (limit three per family), while supplies last.

Local community partners, such as Audubon and Izaak Walton League, will be tabling. The Ragamuffin Bakery will be selling muffins and breakfast items. More information is available at southbend. wildones.org.

RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, offers the following events each month: 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, seated strength; 1 p.m. Mondays, a craft; 5:30 p.m. Mondays, gentle

packed also has a stain on both his ears. Not that you need a tie in Iceland. Did you read the dress code for the trip? We’re going to Iceland, not Disneyland. And I know why you like flannel shirts. All the new drippings blend in together.”

On a previous cruise, Mary Ellen suggested not bringing any fancy clothing for dinner at all, maybe just a good raincoat. The truth is, it’s inappropriate to arrive at a formal meal in a soiled garment, but acceptable to stain it accidentally while eating. That first night, I ordered the shrimp cocktail and effortlessly completed my assignment on my pants.

“Those need to be soaked in cold water,” said my wife when we were back in our cabin. So, I threw it overboard.

After we returned home from our vacation, I washed my clothes and tried to remove the soiled areas, but what remained was evidence of some fine Italian wine and a delicious chicken parmigiana dish. Mary Ellen took more than 1,000 photos on that trip to create lasting memories.

I had a better idea. Let’s just say my approach was spot on.

yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, chair yoga; 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Melt; 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Support Squad and Knitting Krew; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, dominoes; 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Support Group; 3 p.m. Thursdays, Zumba. Visit riverbendcancerservices.org or call (574) 287-4197.

SOUTH BEND HOMECOMING — George Azar has been thrilled to return to South Bend as the executive director at the Forever Learning Institute. Photo provided by George Azar.

NUTSHELL

Blast To The Past —

‘Before the Next Teardrop falls’ brought 1 year of stardom

Freddy Fender

Freddy Fender had just one year of mainstream stardom, but, man, it was a humdinger!

It was also quite an achievement, considering all the times he had stumbled on his way to the top.

By RANDAL C. HILL

He was born Baldemar Huerta in 1937 in San Benito, Texas. Part of a poor, field-working family, Huerta left high school and joined the Marine Corps. Much of his military time, though, went wasted in an Okinawa brig, due to his drinking binges.

But, during that soul-crushing confinement, he learned of a new type of music that sometimes wafted through the prison corridors.

Music that would change his life. Early rock ‘n’ roll.

He returned to Texas, a goal of musical stardom now burning in his being. “I grew my sideburns, put 50 pounds of wax on my hair, and I thought I was Elvis Presley. That lasted several years. I was nothing but rhythm-andblues and rock ‘n’ roll.”

At 19, he recorded a Spanish-language version of Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel.” Huerta’s rendition earned airplay in Latin America, but north of the border nobody seemed to notice.

He soldiered on. In 1959, he adopted the stage moniker Freddy Fender, after the well-known brand name etched on his electric guitar. (“I thought it would sell better with gringos.”) A year later, a pivotal moment occurred for him when he composed a catchy tune in the restroom of a Harlingen, Texas, joint called the Starlight Club.

The song was “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights.” Later, Freddy would proclaim, “I knew it was something special.”

However, as he prepared to release a single of “Wasted,” Fender and his bass player were

busted in Louisiana for marijuana possession. Sentenced to five years each in Angola Prison, both served fewer than four. The future, though, still seemed anything but bright for the San Benito singer.

Sometimes, he wondered if his past poor choices would, in time, condemn him to never rise higher than performing in smokefilled joints while customers drank, talked, laughed and all but ignored him.

Back in San Benito, Fender worked as a mechanic before meeting Huey Meaux, a shady businessman who owned the record label Crazy Cajun. In 1974, Meaux had Freddy cut a countrified single called “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.” The creation had been around since 1967, but it was Fender’s fervent rendition — sung in both English and Spanish — that drew interest from recording powerhouse ABC/Dot Records.

“I was reluctant to cut country at first,” said Freddy. “I just wanted to do rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm-and-blues.” But when

ABC/Dot leased Meaux’s disc, Fender was on his way.

In early 1975, his signature tune reached Number One on Billboard’s pop chart. He followed with his own “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” a Top Ten single, and ended the year

with a version— sung partly in Spanish — of Doris Day’s “Secret Love.”

Billboard proclaimed him Best Male Artist of 1975.

“I was just having fun,” Fender admitted later. “I never thought of becoming a great singer.”

St. Joseph County recognizes Big Trees Champions

On Jan. 18, owners and nominators of area big trees were honored at a reception at Rum Village Nature Center. This event first began in 1996 with 33 champions honored. This year, the number increased to 46 champions.

A total of 79 nominations were received for the 2025 Big Trees competition. Nominators sent in measurements of each tree including the trunk circumference, height and average crown spread of the trees.

Tree measurements were

By MATT DANBURY Owner Blue Collar Antiques

My company, Blue Collar Antiques, buys and sells a variety of antiques and collectibles. The prices on a lot of antiques have been trending up lately. Recently, new record high prices have been set for sports jerseys and baseball cards. A Queen Ann Carved stool just sold for over $5 million at Sotheby’s. A 1938 Superman comic book set a new record when it sold for over $6 million. On May 31, a Star Wars figure sold for $525,000.

While you may not have anything worth millions, if you have anything you have been thinking about selling, now may be the time. Prices have been going up on military items, comic books, baseball cards, antiques, old toys, advertising items, coins, jewelry and much more.

I have always enjoyed antiques and have a deep appreciation for history. I go to several auctions each week, which helps me stay current with what people are buying and how much items are selling for. I also subscribe to many

verified by the naturalist staff and volunteers from Rum Village, the St. Joseph County Parks, the University of Notre Dame and the St. Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation District. A point index for each champion tree was calculated based on the tree’s measurements.

Twelve champion trees are located at Potato Creek State Park, 12 are located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, six are located at Rum Village Park and one is located in North Liberty Town Park. The

research sites. I am able to find the market value for almost any item you may have.

I have been in business for over 15 years. I believe in treating people fair. Because of this, a big part of my business comes from referrals or repeat clients. Often, when people call me to look at their collections or estates, they are pleasantly surprised to learn that items they considered worthless are actually very valuable.

I would recommend to anyone that before items are discarded

remaining champion trees are found on private property.

One program participant, Gideon Burgo of Walkerton, nominated 23 of the champions. A complete list of the current champions can be obtained by calling the St. Joseph County Parks at (574) 654-3155 or logging onto sjcparks.org.

The most contested species was black walnut, with six nominated trees competing for the champion spot. On the other hand, some native species did not receive any nominations

or given away, please give me or someone with experience in antiques the opportunity to take a look at it for valuation. Since I have been in business for so long, I have established many contacts in the industry.

Even if you have something that I do not buy, many times I can at least give you a value for it, put you in contact with someone who would buy it, or tell you the best way to go about selling it. You can contact me at (219) 794-6500. Ask for Matt Danbury.

at all, including Ohio Buckeye, hackberry and sassafras.

The largest tree in the Big Trees of St. Joseph County 2025 program is a Sycamore Tree, located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

The Big Trees of St. Joseph County was organized by St. Joseph County Parks in a cooperative effort with the St. Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation District, Rum Village Park, St. Joseph County Cooperative Extension Service and The University of Notre Dame’s Department of Biological Sciences.

ONE YEAR OF STARDOM ”Before The Next Teardrop Falls” brought Freddy Fender one year of stardom. Photo from Billboard.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

Independence | Dignity | Strength

1151 S. Michigan St, South Bend IN 46601 | (574) 233-8205

Tickets Live!

Join Us for REAL Talk!

May 8, 2025 | 11:30am - 1:00pm Century Center

120 S. Dr MLK Jr Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601

Energy Assistance

REAL Talk offers free educational presentations and community connections. Geared toward those 60 and older, these sessions cover various topics, providing valuable insights and resources. Everyone is welcome to attend and engage.

April Events: Safe Medication Usage & Adherence

Attendees will learn how different medications and supplements interact, discover ways to improve medication adherence, and gain a deeper understanding of managing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This session will cover key topics, including cardiovascular disease, medication compliance and drug interactions, and diabetes.

Apr. 17 | 11:00am Owls Active Aging Center at Trinity

Apr. 25 | 11:30am

1 ROOF Southeast Neighborhood Ctr (Lunch) Reserve lunch by 4/22 | (574) 284-7189

REAL Services assists low-income households with electric and heating expenses during the winter months with funding provided through federal and state government.

realservices.org/get-involved/excellence/ realservices.org/services/energy-assistance/

Apr. 29 | 11:30am

Salvation Army of Elkhart (Lunch) Reserve lunch by 4/25 | (574) 284-7184

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

Sausage, Gr. Bean & Potato Casserole

Stewed Tom., Dinner Roll Warm Spiced Apples

Turkey Tetrazzini

California Veg.

Garlic Bread Mandarin Oranges

Chix. & Waffles

Sweet Potatoes Broccoli Tropical Fruit

Beef Stew Cauliflower, Dinner Roll Pineapple Cup

Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce

Italian Veg. Blend

Garlic Bread Tropical Fruit

Saus. Gravy/Biscuit

Scrambled Eggs

Breakfast Potatoes Banana, Yogurt

Liver & Onions

Au Gratin Potatoes Beets, Bread Cherry Apple Crunch Bar

Turkey Manhattan Over Bread

Mashed Pot/gravy Peas, Fig Bar

Maple Must. Pork Chop

Roast. Root Veg. Brussels’ Sprouts Bread, Cinn. Applesauce

Bruschetta Chix. Garlic Mashers California Veg. Bread, Mandarin Oranges

Baked Ziti w/sausage

Salad w/dressing

Gr. Beans, Texas Toast Spiced Peaches

Polish Sausage/Bun German Potatoes Sauerkraut, Carrots Pineapple Cup

Cheeseburger/Bun Red Skin Potatoes

Stewed Tomatoes Jello

BBQ Chix. Mac & Cheese California Blend Veg. Bread, Cobbler

Stuffed Baked Potato

Cheese & Taco Meat

Broccoli, Breadstick Oreo Cookies

Sloppy Joe/Bun Baked Beans

Mixed Vegetables Strawberry Applesauce

Chix. Mush. Rice Casserole

Mixed Vegetables, Bread Nutty Buddy Bar

Bourbon Chix. Rosemary Potatoes

Asparagus, Rye Bread Pear Cup

Butternut Squash Soup

Chix, Salad Slider Succotash, Peach Cup

Tuna Casserole w/Peas Glazed Carrots Dinner Roll, Jello Cup

Closed in Observance of Good Friday

Chili w/beans

Baby Bakers Broccoli, Crackers Brownie

We welcome Seniors to join our program and access daily nutritional meals while increasing your socialization. Meals are prepared fresh daily in our Kitchen. Lunch site locations are open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. To make a reservation, please call the meal site director at your preferred location listed below. We look forward to serving you.

Mishawaka

100 Center High Rise Apartments

100 N. Center St. | (574) 259-1611

Battell Center

904 N. Main St. | (574) 256-2325

Osceola United Methodist Church

431 N. Beech Rd. | (574) 674-6503

Walkerton American Legion Hall

302 Kentucky St. | (574) 334-1047

South Bend

Sanctuary Trinity Tower

316 Dr. MLK. Jr. Blvd. N. | (574) 234-7278

Fairington Apartments

1220 E. Fairington Circle | (574) 291-5597

Karl King Riverbend Tower 515 E. Monroe St. | (574) 232-4934

Charles Black Center 3419 W. Washington | (574) 229-5911

Heritage Place at LaSalle Square

3224 Ardmore Trail | (574) 286-0916

1ROOF Southeast Neighborhood Center

405 E. Dubail Ave. | (574) 381-8981

Meal Site Locations (Saint Joseph County)

info@realservices.org

133 N. William Street South Bend, IN 46601

Discover Portage Commons

We welcome you to join this vibrant community |designed for adults 60 and over. Whether you are looking to experience the joy of connection, engage in meaningful activities to stay active, the center offers a wide variety of programs focused on recreation, wellness and lifelong learning.

Senior Ambassador Opportunities and Membership Applications are available at Portage Commons:

Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 10am-3pm.

Call (574)284-7138 for more details.

Commons Schedule

General Hours

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am-3pm

Library Open and Refreshments available!

April 1 Grand Opening!

April 2 Bingo 10:00am

April 2, 9, 23, 30 Therapy Dog 11:00am

April 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 25 Games & Cards 11:00am

April 11 Digital Literacy Class 11:00am

April 16 Trivia 10:00am

April 18 Closed in Observance of Good Friday

April 22, 24, 29 SAIL Class 2:30 — 3:30pm

April 28

Crafting Connections: Faux Stained Glass Project 11:00am

More programs offered, stop in for updated schedule!

Fun outdoes fear on Amazonia trek

Text and Photos

By FYLLIS HOCKMAN

Mature Life Features

No branch, bush, vine or twig was safe from our guide’s slicing, swatting and swooping machete as he chopped a trail through the rainforest during our daily excursions along the banks of the Rio Negro.

It was part of our hiking, bird-watching and village-hopping itinerary led by Souza and his machete as we left the Tucano, our 18-passenger motor riverboat in a small powered launch during our 200-mile trip up the largest tributary of the South America’s mighty Amazon River.

Souza demanded quiet during our launch rides. He used his senses to read the forest, listening for the breaking of a branch or a flutter through the trees, sniffing for animal odors, scanning leaves for motion and water for ripples. He alerted us of every discovery because, on our own, we heard, felt and

discerned nothing.

Our forest walks were a time for observation, not conversation.

On one stop, Souza swiped his hand through a swarm of teca ants and rubbed them on his forearm — instant mosquito repellant.

We learned of the many medications the forest supplies to the natives, vines that morphed into baskets and brooms, bark that became strong rope and plants providing poison for arrows.

A closer look at a line of leaves parading up a hill like a synchronized marching band revealed leaf-cutter ants hauling their unwieldy loads as much as half a mile to their colony.

On our visits to several villages, we found a few commonalities: a dance hall where residents party once a month, a soccer field where youths exercise once a day, a school room housing students of all grades, a clinic that caters to the med-

ical needs of the community, two or three churches — and a generator.

Differences are notable as well.

One village of no more than 30 families depended entirely on a single farm product called manioc — a product made from grain that is the mainstay of the Amazonian diet. There were no stores, no satellite dishes and no outhouses. The bordering forest was the villagers’ toilet.

A larger “company” town thrived on its asphalt industry. It also supported a convenience store, small café, and bakery. There were several satellite dishes and each hut had its own outhouse.

While every day was an adventure, nothing compared with our nighttime jaunts that Souza and his searchlight against the dark horizon, scanning shoreline and trees for something to entertain his eager charges.

Everything sounded magnified — dolphins snorting, fish

jumping, caimans slithering, and monkeys howling.

The slashing light eventually poked through the brush to uncover a caiman, its crocodilian snout protruding for a moment before slinking away. The light then reflected off a kingfisher’s eyes, temporarily blinding him so we could drift almost close enough to touch it. For an encore, we watched a spider devour a dragonfly it grabbed from a crack in a tree directly in front of us.

Whereas the trills, tweets and twerps of the birds dominated the landscape during the day, the nights were crammed with the croaks, caws and throaty outpourings of frogs and caimans.

On one of our fishing forays, I sat with my Tom Sawyer fishing pole thinking the Amazon’s a long way from the Mississippi after attaching chunks of beef to the end of the line. I thought this was strange bait until I remembered our prey.

While being quiet was the

It’s easy! Simply find the ‘Spring Greeting’ image on another page in this edition. Go online to www.SeniorLifeNewspapers.com and enter your information, the edition, date and page number you found it on. This will enter you for a chance to win a gift of $25. (Online Entries Only) Entries Must Be In By Monday, April 14, 2025. Brought To You By 206 S. Main St. Milford, Indiana 46542 The winner of the I Spy Contest for March is Kathy Edwards from Crown Point. The Party Dog was located on page 8 in Senior Life Allen; page 13 in Senior Life Northwest; page 6 in Senior Life Elko and page 9 in Senior Life St. Joseph.

order of the day on most such sojourns, Souza rattled the water with the end of his pole so I followed his lead. This makes the quarry think there’s a wounded fish thrashing about. Within a minute I had snagged one of our infamous carnivorous predators: a six-inch piranha. Souza held it up to a tree and used it like a scissors to cut a branch in two. But I learned piranhas get a bad rap. The truth is, unless they’re starving or you’re bleeding, we’re really not in their food chain.

Nonetheless, the fried piranhas we had that night as appetizers were scrumptious, their tiny bones crunchy and the meat flaky, proving the wise adage that more people eat piranhas than piranhas eat people — at least in Amazonia.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Artificial tears soothe seeing

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Dry-eye time stretches out over the entire calendar.

Hopefully, you aren’t crying a lot so you have to think about using artificial tears to protect your eyes from dust, smoke, heat, air-conditioning and all the other particles swarming in the air around you.

Blinking helps keep your eyeballs lubricated.

If your eyes continue to feel itchy or scratchy, check with your pharmacist for a handy over-the-counter eye drops that will soothe your seeing through the day. Some users suggest keeping the eye drops in a refrigerator so they’ll feel more refreshing when applied.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

AMAZONIA RIVERBOAT Riverboat Tucano transported travelers through South America’s Amazonia.

AMONG THE SIGHTS

A strikingly colorful macaw was among the sights offered visitors to Brazil’s Amazonia.

There could be ‘a very good year’ in your 60s

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Frank Sinatra had “a mess of good years” according to a recording he made popular in the mid-1960s.

He cited 17, 21 and 35 as very good years but never got around to a year that many oldsters deem pretty good themselves — 65.

It’s been a target for generations since the German Reichstag tagged it in the 1880s as the age at which workers could retire and receive a government pension. It was seen as a shrewd move because it staved off socialist unrest that was spreading across Europe at a time when most people didn’t live that long.

Things have changed a lot since then, but the magic of age 65 still glitters.

While the goal posts have shifted a bit, the practice persists to apply just before that milestone for Medicare, Social Security and any company pension so you can quit the job and enjoy a life of leisure — fishing, camping, visiting grandchildren, travel, you name it.

Those moving goalposts have complicated matters a bit. The Social Security retirement age is sliding slowly up the scale, as are the earliest and latest dates you can apply.

This affects planning because it affects the amount your monthly check will be during your retirement years.

Full retirement age at this juncture is 67 years. You can still apply for and receive benefits at age 62, but your monthly check may be almost one-third less than benefits for those who hold

off until their full retirement age. If you wait until age 70 to start collecting Social Security, your income can be about 25% above the full retirement age norm.

The aging population is, of course, affecting all this. So is the changing pattern of retirement as more workers opt to remain on the job past age 65. Almost 25% of the adult population over 65 is still working.

Deciding which year is best for you to retire is no longer as simple as it used to be.

It seems that as we live longer, we work longer, especially with the growing trend toward home offices that offer opportunities for an array of professional service providers — accountants, bookkeepers, tax preparers, and computer gurus, for example — to work well up in their years.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Looking out the window

By JIM CARPENTER Guest Writer

Looking out the window, into a landscape, that is barren, desolate, and cold.

He somehow senses a comparison with his own season of getting old.

Though there is much that he is thankful for as he surveys his many years.

It seemed that joy could always be found, even when it was mixed with tears.

His springtime was a special time.

Adventure on a fertile scale.

The work of summer was met with passion. Raising kids, potatoes, and kale.

Fall would be a defining season.

Reflecting on the harvest made.

A bounty of nourishing memories that would brighten winter’s shade.

The seasons will come and the seasons will go.

Growth and drought, sun and rain.

A mimic of what our lives will bring.

Some tempering loss among the gain.

The path is narrow, it may not be true.

It’s quite different for everyone.

The old man blinks and thinks of his life.

And realizes, he has already won.

To contact Jim Carpenter, email him at pokeberryjim@ gmail.com.

Assisted Living, nursing And rehAbiLitAtion guide

Aperion Care - Arbors Michigan City

1101 E. Coolspring Avenue, Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 874-5211 • www.aperioncare.com

Short Term Rehab, Long Term Care, On-Site Therapy 7 Days A Week, Orthopedic Rehab, Post-Stroke Rehab, Nurse Practitioner Oversight, Wound Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, Newly Remodeled Communities, Memory Care

Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame

54515 933 N., P.O. Box 706, Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 287-1838 • www.holycrossvillage.com

Dujarie House, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite Care, Rehabilitation Unit, Alzheimer’s Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Residential Apartments

Hubbard Hill Retirement Community

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

Rehabilitation, Healthcare, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Maintenance Free Homes, Licensed, Locally Owned, Non-Profit, Faith Based, Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapies, Memory Care Support Group, Pet Friendly, There’s No Place Like Hubbard Hill

Majestic Care of South Bend

52654 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635 (574) 277-8710 • www.Majesticcare.com

Rehabilitation Unit, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Intermediate Care, Therapies: Speech-Occupational- Respiratory-Physical, Long Term Care, Respite Care, Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Pet Visitation Allowed, Medicare and/or Medicaid

475 North Niles Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 246-4123 • www.morningview-alf.com

Compassionate and trained caregivers on staff 24-hours per day. Accepting Medicaid waiver. Secure units. Assistance with activities of daily living. Daily life enrichment activities. Nutritional and dietary support.

Primrose Retirement Community of Mishawaka 820 Fulmer Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 259-3211 • primroseretirement.com

Our spacious independent and assisted living apartments offer something to retire to not just something to retire from. Residents at Primrose enjoy a healthy and active living environment.

Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

1333 Wells Street, Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1111 • www.riveridgerehab.com

Riveridge Rehab in Niles, Michigan, offers newly renovated rehab units with 4 private suites. Additionally, we have a locked memory care unit with multi-sensory room.

316 Woodies Lane, Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494 • SHCofBremen.com liaison2.bremen@signaturehealthcarellc.com

Our Gated Community is a smaller, dedicated unit for comfort and safety for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Residents. We offer Enhanced Quality of Life Programming which includes cognitive strengths, life skills, daily movement, power of music, artistic expression, creativity and socialization.

Tanglewood Trace Senior Living

530 Tanglewood Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 277-4310

www.tanglewoodtraceseniorliving.com

Offering Retirement Villas, Independent and Licensed Assisted Living, Therapy Services, Respite Care, Social and Recreational Activities, Pets Welcome, Transportation, Beauty Shop and Spa Services Available.

Living

303 N. Washington Street, Wakarusa IN 46573 (574) 862-1918

admissions@watersofwakarusaALF.com Independent/Assisted Living. Private studio/1bed/2bed apartments. Home-like family-oriented environment. Family-style dining. Daily activities. Transportation available. 24-hour care-givers. Pet friendly. Out-patient therapy available. Come for tour today.

AGING & HEALTH RESOURCES

REAL SERVICES, INC.

1151 South Michigan Street

Phone (574) 233-8205

www.realservices.org

Provides services to empower our community to live with independence, dignity, and strength. Call us to learn more.

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A free online directory for aging & wellness resources. Our members offer a wide variety of services and information for your specific needs. www.agingconnections.org

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ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE

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1409 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-1866

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SIGNATURE HealthCARE OF BREMEN

316 Woodies Lane Bremen, IN 46506 (574) 546-3494

SHCofBremen.com

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Our Gated Community is a smaller, dedicated unit for comfort and safety for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Residents. We offer Enhanced Quality of Life Programming which includes cognitive strengths, life skills, daily movement, power of music, artistic expression, creativity and socialization.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

HAMILTON GROVE / SOUTHFIELD VILLAGE

31869 Chicago Trail New Carlisle, IN 46552 (574) 654-2200

Greencroft.org/HamiltonGrove 6450 Miami Circle

South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 231-1000

Greencroft.org/SouthfieldVillage

Hamilton Grove and Southfield Village provide a full continuum of care-assisted living, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

DAY CENTER

SAINT JOSEPH PACE

250 East Day Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 247-8700

saintjosephPACE@trinity-health.org Helping seniors live safely at home. PACE’s main objective is to keep seniors out of nursing homes.

FOOT SOLUTIONS

323 Florence Ave., Granger, IN 46530 (574) 272-3668

granger@footsolutions.com

Better Health Through Your Feet! Solutions for Plantar Facitis Morton’s Neuroma, bunions, morton’s neuroma, sore knees, sore ankles and more. Call for your FREE foot analysis.

HOME CARE SERVICES

- MICHIANA 310 N. Ironwood Dr. South Bend, IN 46615 (574) 232-8487

www.abc-michiana.com

COMFORT KEEPERS

6910 N. Main St., Ste. 3, Unit 47 Granger, IN 46530 (574) 277-4121, (574) 327-6123

www.southbendin.comfortkeepers.com

Provides In-Home Care Services through our interactive caregiving approach, personal care, companionship and housekeeping, transportation, respite care, dementia care.

HOME INSTEAD

3025 Grape Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 256-1479

www.homeinstead.com/343

From companionship to transportation to loving care, to us it’s personal.

FOOT CARE

HOME CARE SERVICES

TABBY CARE, LLC

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

https://tabbycarellc.com/

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

VILLAGE CAREGIVING

2515 N. Bendix Dr., Ste. 201 South Bend, IN 46628 (574) 931-0712

villagecaregiving.com

Nations Largest Privately Owned And Operated Home Care Agency. VA Provider. We Accept A Variety Of Payment Options. Call Today!

VISITING ANGELS OF MICHIANA 3840 Edison Lakes Parkway Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 323-6756

jfinnessy@visitingangels.com

Nonmedical services include: Customized Memory Care Program, Housekeeping, Transportation, Bathing, Dressing, Transferring, Companionship, Meals, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care. We are a VA Provider.“We’re Here for You — Always!”

HOME HEALTHCARE AGENCY

NORACARE

1251 N. Eddy Street, Suite 200 South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 222-5992

info@noracare.us

www.noracare.us

Access experienced health professionals to support your home healthcare needs at affordable rates. We accept long-term care insurance.

3120 N. Home St. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 855-3017

www.caringcovehospice.com/ We’re here to help by providing personalized exceptional hospice care. Serving St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall and Laporte counties.

Comfort 1 Hospice

118 W. Edison Rd., Suite 200 Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 387-4117

www.Comfort1Hospice.com

Our homegrown team of local health care providers offer comfort and compassion to those with life-limiting illnesses in our community. We Can Help!

hearttohearthospice.com

Compassionate care from our heart to yours. Volunteers needed. CHAP Accredited

IN-HOME CARE

SENIOR HELPERS

230 W. Catalpa, Ste. B Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 968-1068

https://www.seniorhelpers.com/in/southbend/ South Bend’s Premier Service Provider of Personalized In-Home Senior Care. Our mission is to provide reliable senior care throughout our community. We will visit you or your loved one where you ARE. Call TODAY for more information.

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. HEART TO HEART HOSPICE 620 Edison Rd., Suite 122 Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 855-4475

MEMORY CARE

CHAPTERS LIVING OF SOUTH BEND 955 N. Hickory Road

South Bend, IN 46615 (574) 314-5369

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Memory Care Community where your loved ones can live. Not just exist! Start your next chapter today. Call Today!

REDOXGold

Ernie Chupp 26659 CR 54 Nappanee, IN 46550 (574) 773-9404

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In Pain? Experience immediate, targeted relief and recovery. Relieves ailments like joint discomfort, kidney problems, depression, migraines, fatigue, cholesterol, allergies, auto-immune and more.

Help is all around you

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Helping each other is part of our genes, whether we know it or like it or not.

We help our aging parents, neighbors and friends as they become frail and their abilities to cope with the world around them fade.

Our children learn how to walk and cope with the world around them with our help.

But, whether it’s because of macho or manners, there seems to be resistance to ask for help.

Just think about the cliché couple in a car looking for an address. They waste much time driving around proclaiming it should be just around the corner when all they would have to do is stop and ask directions from a passerby or shop owner who’s familiar with the neighborhood.

They claim they don’t want to look stupid, so they act stupidly.

As we age, many of us think we’ll look like we’re losing it if we ask for help. You read of seniors dying of heart attacks shoveling snow from their driveway. And you hear oldsters complain about their aching back as they heft heavy grocery bags into and out of the trunk of their car. They should be asking someone for help with these chores. For example, shopping trips can be coordinated with a family member, friend or neighbor who can help with the loading and unloading.

This means you should quit

caring about whether or not you look self-reliant or lazy. While “Please” and “Thank You” should be atop your list of vocabulary used on a daily basis, you can slip “I need your help” right behind them. Get used to this phrase. Use it when you walk up to a bank teller. Instead of telling them you want to make a deposit, you might say, “I need your help to make this deposit.”

You’ll find the teller’s attitude friendlier and much less business-like because you’re asking for their help — because studies reveal people actually do want to help each other. All they need is to be asked.

Asking for help most likely will start with members of your family — brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and in-laws — and expand to friends, colleagues, co-workers and neighbors.

You might be looking for someone to help with your taxes or get you to medical appointments or find the right kinds of plants to make your yard easier to maintain. Be very clear on what you need and when you need it. Let the person you’re asking know right off that they can say no if they can’t help you. You don’t need or want an explanation.

Thank them for listening and ask if there’s someone they know who might be able help you. Then ask if there’s anything you can do to help them.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

‘Sports Car Invasion: The SCCA’ exhibit opens at Studebaker Museum

A sports car exhibition is now open through June 8, art the Studebaker National Museum.

The South Bend Region of the Sports Car Club of America is one of the SCCA’s oldest chapters, having been chartered in 1949. The very next year, Studebaker hosted an annual SCCA meet at its Proving Ground from 1950 to 1953. The South Bend region had a significant number of members who were Studebaker employees, including several from Stude-

baker’s Design Department. In 1950, Studebaker began hosting an SCCA summer regional meet at the company’s Proving Ground and drew sports cars from around the country for a weekend of camaraderie and motorsports.

This spring, the museum looks back at the Studebaker Proving Ground’s SCCA gatherings with a display in the Carmichael Bullet Nose Gallery, featuring a special appearance by a 1949 Healey Silverstone D-Type — a veteran

of the Proving Ground meets.

The exhibit will also highlight some of the other rare and exotic automobiles and motorsports celebrities in attendance.

The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201 Chapin St., South Bend. Admission is $11 for adults, $9.50 for seniors over 60, and $7 for youth ages 6-18.

For more information, call the museum at (574) 235-9714 or (888) 391-5600 or visit studebakermuseum.org.

Time to save is all the time

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

It’s never too late or too early to start saving.

If you haven’t started, put a couple of bucks away right now.

And you never can save too much.

Saving can be as simple as pouring pennies into a piggy bank or cramming money under the mattress.

That simple stratagem should grow to include a plan to set aside and invest a certain amount of cash regularly during your earning years so you can enjoy your non-earning retirement years.

This also calls for a periodic review to see where you stand.

amount you save now to make sure you can pay all your bills when you leave the labor force.

If you’re already retired and survived a heart attack or stroke, your medical costs already have been affected so you’ll probably have to eliminate previously-made travel plans from your financial budget.

auto maintenance and fuel by selling the vehicle. That money and the savings can buy you more than enough cab fares without the responsibility of ownership.

Many seniors have discovered trips to the grocery store no longer are a problem. They use their telephone or computer to order and the victuals are delivered — for no charge in some cases.

Other ways you can still save in your Social Security years is to cut back on the number of times you eat out.

Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.

Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.

Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.

Things change, and changes during your work and after-work life affect how much you’re going to need.

Being retired doesn’t mean you can quit saving and spend to the limit you set for yourself before you quit work. You can still save money by not trading in your automobile every two or three years. Today’s vehicles are built to last many thousands of miles and, unless you’re going to travel several hundred miles every year to visit the grandkids, you can keep your couple-ofyears-old auto forever.

Cutting back on gifts for Christmas, birthdays, graduation, weddings and other special occasions also can mean savings. It does no good to make a gift or charitable donations above your means. In most cases, a card or telephone call will do.

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Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls

Acquiring a non-immune disease or falling off a ladder and crushing a hip will mean higher medical bills for the rest of your life. That might mean having to increase the

While reviewing this section of your retirement budget, consider how far you’re going to have to drive each year. If it’s minimal, you might consider eliminating the cost of car and liability insurance, parking, monthly payments,

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If you feel cutting back on costs will cut into your social life, you can still have coffee with cronies, just not as often. Volunteering your time and talent to an organization whose work you support will expand your social circle. But you’ve already sold your car, you say. Don’t worry, someone will pick you up.

Or call a cab and you’ll probably be given a ride home.

These are just a few of the facets to consider when you review your savings plan, whether you’re living on it now or haven’t put away a penny yet.

NEW EXHIBIT A sports car exhibit is now open through June 8, at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend. Photo courtesy of the museum.

The controversial ‘Gadsden Purchase’

By TOM MORROW

Mature Life Features

Imagine the Mexican cities of Mexicali, Juarez, Tijuana, Tecate, Ensenada, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas all being part of the U.S. A section of what’s now northern Mexico, along with the peninsula of Baja California, nearly became part of the United States.

The 29,670-square-mile Gadsden Purchase in 1854 comprised what is present day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico.

The purchase offer was made to Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna by James Gadsden, U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Gadsden’s original proposal included the entire Baja California peninsula. The U.S. wanted the entire chunk of Mexican territory to build a railroad between El Paso and San Diego.

The financially strapped Mexicans finally agreed to a partial sale for $10 million (about $300 million in present day dollars).

Santa Anna thought it was better to yield territory by treaty and receive payment rather than have the territory seized by the U.S. Army, as happened as a result of the 1848 war with Mexico.

Ambassador Gadsden and business-oriented U.S. southerners knew a railroad linking the South with the Pacific Coast would expand trade opportunities. However, the southern portion of the then-existing U.S. border was too mountainous for a direct route.

President Franklin Pierce was strongly influenced by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, a southerner who saw an opportunity to acquire significant territory of northern Mexico, but there was a fierce Congressional debate on whether any new territory would be slave or free.

The earlier Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, that ended the

Mexican-American War, contained a guarantee the United States would protect Mexicans from cross-border raids by Comanche and Apache tribes.

President Pierce appointed Ambassador Gadsden to Mexico with specific instructions to negotiate the acquisition of additional territory. Mexico was going through political and financial turmoil and President Santa Anna was willing to deal with the United States because he needed money to rebuild his army for defense against (who else?) the Americanos.

As originally envisioned, the Gadsden Purchase would have encompassed a much larger region, extending far enough south to include most of the current Mexican states of Baja California Norte, Baja California Sur (south), and the northern border states of Coahuila, Chihuahua, Sonora, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. But Mexico opposed Gadsden’s proposed boundaries, as did northern anti-slavery U.S. Senators who saw the purchase as acquisition of more slave territory.

Santa Anna rejected the extension of the border and insisted on reparations for the damages caused by American Indian raids, but agreed to let an international tribunal resolve this problem.

President Pierce finally authorized Gadsden to purchase any of six proposed parcels.

President Thomas Jefferson paid France $15 million a half century earlier for the Louisiana Purchase.

Gadsden’s orders were to buy 38,000 square miles of desert necessary for the railroad plans. However, his “antagonistic manner” alienated Santa Anna, who balked at any large-scale sale of territory. The Mexican President felt threatened by U.S. Army renegade William Walker’s bold attempt to capture Baja Califor-

nia and annex the northern state of Sonora — all with only 50 troopers. Ambassador Gadsden disavowed any U.S. government backing of Walker, who ended up being cashiered by the Army and placed on trial.

Even the sale of a relatively small strip of land angered the Mexican people, who saw Santa Anna’s actions as a betrayal of their country. And they watched in dismay as he squandered the funds generated by “the Purchase.”

Some historians believe the Gadsden Purchase contributed partially to the negative relationship that has existed since between our two countries.

The final purchase included the Arizona cities of Tucson, Yuma, Bisbee, Douglas and Tombstone. For many years an outlaw band known as the Cowboys frequently robbed stagecoaches and stole Mexican cattle in broad daylight, scaring off Mexican ranchers who were watching over their herds. Accordingly, Mexican authorities complained to the U.S. about those Cowboy raids. The 1880s conflict known as the Cochise County War came to an end with the Earp and Clanton families historic Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and Wyatt Earp’s infamous “Vendetta Ride” against the Cowboys.

Tucson is the largest city in the Gadsden Purchase.

Historical accounts take it for granted that the transaction has been a boon for the U.S., but it was estimated in 2009 that the purchased land has not been profitable for the United States. The region produces very little tax revenue and most minerals are on Indian reservations that receive all royalties. And the federal government spent a great deal of money during the 19th century to defend the territory from Apaches.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Always Best Care — Quality care, reliable service

By MIA ALBERT RN, BSN Clinical Supervisor

Always Best Care

For 12 years, Always Best Care has been associated with quality care and reliable service. It strives to meet the needs of seniors and the disabled in Michiana with its personal care services, setting a standard of excellence in doing so.

Now the organization that you know for attentive personal care will be your go-to for Medicaid-authorized home health services, which will include a home health aide supervised by a registered nurse.

Since last July, Medicaid has sought to provide community-based services to Medicaid recipients in order to avoid long-term care facility admission. Under the Indiana Health Coverage Programs, Medicaid members will now be evaluated for prior authorization home health services, specifically home health aide services, pri-

or to determination of waiver attendant homemaker services.

While Medicaid is now requiring hours to be provided by a licensed home health agencies for its recipients, what Danielle Loupee, owner and CEO of Always Best Care, noticed was the glaring lack of agencies to provide that care to the community.

Her vision to start Always Best Care in 2013 began when she saw a need for an under-served population and that is what has driven her decision to now open a licensed home

Howard, left, Mill Creek Lions Club, and Peggy Grzesiowski, president of LaPorte County Extension Homemakers. Photo provided by Purdue Extension, LaPorte County.

Extension Homemakers partner with Mill Creek Lions Club

The Steady Stitchers Club of the LaPorte County Extension Homemakers recently partnered with the Mill Creek Lions Club to fulfill its mission of providing eyeglasses to those in need. The Lions Club collects eyeglasses throughout the year and regularly delivers them to Mexico for the needy.

This year, Emily Howard from the Mill Creek Lions Club contacted the Steady Stitchers with a need. It needed eyeglass cases for all of the glasses it collected. The Steady Stitchers worked hard on “Lend-A-Hand” March 13 and sewed together 330 eyeglass cases to send with the Lions Club.

care to serve Michiana. She could no longer let vulnerable people go without the care they needed to live safely in the comfort of their homes.

Loupee has curated a small team of registered nurses, who are writing policies, building systems, and laying the foundation for Always Best Care Michiana-Home Health.

If you would like further information, you can reach Always Best Care at (574) 232-8487 and ask to talk to someone about prior authorizations.

LEND A HAND The Steady Stitchers Club of the LaPorte County Extension Homemakers made eyeglass cases for the Mill Creek Lions Club, which collects eyeglasses. Pictured are Emily

3 questions about Social Security that can help plan your retirement

By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office

Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of many American workers. If you’re among the many people paying Social Security taxes, you should get an estimate of what your future benefit may be. Our retirement webpage at ssa.gov/ retirement is a great place to start mapping out your retirement plan. These three questions will help to guide your planning:

What factors may affect your retirement benefits?

When is the right time to start receiving your retire-

ment benefits?

What documents do you need to provide when you apply for retirement?

We encourage you to use your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/ myaccount to get an instant estimate of your future retirement benefits. You can also compare the effects of starting your retirement benefits at different ages.

We base your benefit on how much you earned during your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. If there were some years you didn’t work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked

steadily. If you never worked and did not pay Social Security taxes, and have a spouse who worked, you may be eligible for spouse’s benefits. You must be at least 62 years old, and your spouse must already be receiving retirement or disability benefits. If you are a younger spouse, you may be eligible for benefits if you have a qualifying child in your care. By a qualifying child, we mean a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits. You can learn more at ssa.gov/retirement.

Share this information with family and friends to help them prepare for their financial future.

Check homeowners association rules before buying

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

The kids are raising their own kids, you no longer have to report for work, and yardwork is getting to be more problem than pride.

All of these thoughts lead to a major mental exercise: is it time to sell the old homestead and downsize? Should you buy a smaller house? Or maybe a condo?

Integral in your thinking has

to be the possibility that your new quarters could be governed by a homeowners association, or HOA.

About three-quarters of the population lives in communities ruled by HOAs.

This means their quality of life and aesthetic choices are dictated by outside forces.

Before you decide to gather a down payment for whatever residence you choose, find out if the development is ruled by a HOA and get a copy of its rules.

Their control can range from how often you can park your car in the driveway to the color of your drapes that can be seen from the street.

Don’t confuse these rules and regulations with a legal code. Any breach of these rules can lead to a fine, and you have to correct or stop what you’ve done.

HOAs control the exterior look of your dwelling. They can control or ban the type of trees and shrubs you can grow,

order you how to maintain your lawn and landscaping, dictate the design and way you mount your property’s address on your dwelling and determine what time you place your trash cans on the street for pickup.

Some associations even decide whether or not you can add electrical outlets in your home or condo.

The kind and number of pets usually is on their list of restrictions as are regulations involving the type and number

of vehicles you’re allowed. If you own a recreation vehicle or motorhome, don’t expect to be allowed to park it on what you believe is your property. In fact, your balcony or deck might be deemed “common property” and prohibit you from storing your barbecue grill there. Whether or not you think any of these or other rules sound petty, you still have to live by them if you decide to move into the property.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

The ‘bland’ ambitions of US vice presidents

By TOM MORROW Mature Life Features

The most successful vice president who had any ambition was Teddy Roosevelt, but

The list of the American veeps is riddled with forgettable politicians who made little or no contribution to United States history other than taking up space on dusty pages

that are not much of scholarly interest.

Consider Hannibal Hamlin, Charles Warren Fairbanks, Henry Wilson, Charles Curtis or George Mifflin Dallas. Sound familiar?

How about Schuyler Colfax and Henry Wilson who were both a heartbeat from the White House? They served as veeps for Ulysses S. Grant. In 1992, history author Steve

Myths mask base of Social Security benefits

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

There are a couple of persistent myths in circulation regarding how your Social Security benefits are based. Introduce the topic and your almost certain to hear that your benefits are based on your

income over your last three years in the work force, or on your five highest-earning years. Both are wrong.

Social Security analysts review your income for 35 of your working years. And they use the years with your highest income.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Doctors takes lead in hospice care ownership —

By COMFORT 1 HOSPICE

Our team is dedicated to compassionate care in our community.

In a health care world that can feel cold, our diverse team shines by offering warm, personalized care, all driven by our shared mission to serve our community exceptionally well.

Comfort 1 Hospice aims to deliver compassionate care that alleviates pain and symptoms, while fostering emotional, psychological, spiritual and social well-being for patients and their families.

Our team members include medical, administrative, and support roles that allow us to address the multifaceted needs of our patients effectively. Our dedicated volunteers assist with daily tasks and provide comfort, enhancing caregivers’ routines. We are committed to providing such service as part of the local community.

Comfort 1 Hospice is proud to offer the compassionate presence of a registered therapy dog as part of its holistic approach to patient care.

Get To Know Our Physicians

Our accredited team of physicians is deeply rooted in the community, upholding the highest standards while constantly enhancing their care. They prioritize building strong patient relationships, ensuring everyone feels valued. We promote open health discussions, recognizing their importance for effective care. Whether managing a chronic condition or seeking lifestyle advice, our team is here to support you.

Comfort 1 Hospice Service Areas

Locally owned and operated, Comfort 1 Hospice serves St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, Starke and LaPorte counties ensuring every patient receives personalized and respectful care.

Our Mission

Comfort 1 Hospice stands as a beacon of hope and compassion, dedicated to providing holistic care which optimizes the comfort and dignity of patients.

For more information,visit comfort1hospice.com or call (574) 387-4117 or toll free (877) 823-6843.

Tally penned “Bland Ambition,” a listing of our vice presidents. He begins with John Adams, who backed up George Washington, our first president and ends with Dan Quayle, who was the veep for George H.W. Bush, our 41st president.

Unlike tall and handsome General Washington, Adams was short, round, dumpy, peevish, a loudmouth and a frequent bore. He was not very well liked and saw no redeeming qualities to being vice president.

J. Danforth Quayle wasn’t exactly “Mr. Excitement.” He once was suspected of being a ladies’ man who had an illicit affair, to which his wife reportedly retorted: “Anyone who knows Dan Quayle knows that he’d rather play golf any day than have sex.”

Teddy Roosevelt was William McKinley’s veep. Before assuming the Oval Office upon McKinley’s assassination, he had attended law school. As No. 2, Teddy was afraid he would not have a great deal to do.

Lincoln’s veep upon his re-election was Andrew Johnson, who was impeached and

escaped conviction by one vote.

There was a time in the mid1970s when the name “Millard Fillmore” became a joke. Yet he rose from log-cabin poverty to wealth and life in the White House.

Fillmore attended one-room schools and, in 1823, was admitted to the New York bar. Seven years later he moved his law practice to Buffalo and was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for eight years.

In 1848, Fillmore was elected vice president to Zachary Taylor’s presidency. Taylor died two years later, leaving the White House to Fillmore.

When Fillmore left office, Oxford University offered to give him an honorary degree, which he declined. He was afraid the students and faculty would ask, “Who is he and what has he done.” He said it would give people ample opportunity to make his name a joke. Ironically, he was prophetic.

America’s fifth veep was Elbridge Gerry, pronounced with a hard “G,” who served under James Madison from 1813-1814. He brought about the term and tradition of

“Gerrymandering,” an oft-times questionable policy of redrawing Congressional boundaries. Gerry was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence and also was one of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.

When John Adams became president, he appointed Gerry, John Marshall and Charles Pickney to represent America in France. Through some back-channel bargaining, Gerry got the French navy to stop raiding American vessels on the high seas.

Later, after four tries, Gerry was elected governor of Massachusetts. During his first term as governor, he signed a redistricting bill that ultimately gained him the political immortality he has since enjoyed.

The stories are involved and interesting so it might be time to recall these famous last words.

They’re attributed to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s vice president, Hubert Humphrey, who said: “Where I stand depends on where I sit.”

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Take a step back in time at Stockdale Mill

In the mid-1800s, the Eel River that starts in northeast Indiana and joins the Wabash River at Lafayette, had a total of 13 mills. Just one is still standing, still operates and is open for visitors to experience the intricate workings of a thriving enterprise of a bygone era.

By ROD KING

The Stockdale Mill, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is just west of Roann in Wabash County. It’s open for tours Saturdays (May through October) from noon to 4 p.m.

a new one, on solid ground on the north side of the river with a new concrete dam. Water is diverted from the river on a mill race that flows into the basement, where it turns three vertical turbines creating about 75 horsepower.

Farmers brought their wheat and corn by wagon onto a scale where it was weighed. The front end of the scale floor was manually lifted by ropes and pulleys so that the grain would fall out the back of the wagon into a holding bin in the basement. When empty, the scale floor was lowered and the wagon was weighed again to determine what the farmer would get for his crop.

Crossroad Tours

In its heyday, the mill could turn out 50 barrels of flour a day. During the Civil War, flour from Stockdale Mill supplied the Union Army.

Crossroad Tours

Built in 1857, the mill is actually the second to operate on the site. The original mill was built in 1840 on top of a timber dam in the middle of the river. The first mill was a grist mill using grindstones. One was found buried on the property in 2008.

Crossroad Tours

In 1852, flood waters severely damaged it and the dam and plans were made to construct

From the holding bin, the grain made its way to the fourth floor via elevators (belts with attached cups) where it went down chutes to the first floor to be run through iron rollers to break up the grain. It was then sent back up to the top for sifting and cleaning, and then returned for more refining. It went through a series of eight sets of rollers before it was finally bagged and pro-

nounced ready for baking. Be prepared to climb some pretty steep steps to get to the fourth floor, where wooden chutes crisscross each other going in every direction. Products made from wheat included middling’s (chicken feed), cereal (wheat germ), flour and bran. At that time, bran was considered a waste product and expelled from the mill by fan over the river. Legend has it that the fish became quite plump.

Crossroad Tours

Stockdale Mill produced flour until 1964 and then animal feed until 1972, at which time it closed. It stood silent and decaying until it was purchased in 2002.

Continued on page 23

Family Fun Tours

Family Fun Tours

Family Fun Tours

April 19, 2025 - Shedd Aquarium

April 19, 2025 - Shedd Aquarium

Crossroad Tours

Diamond Tours

Diamond Tours

Diamond Tours

May 10, 2025 - Tulip Festival

April 19, 2025 - Shedd Aquarium

May 10, 2025 - Tulip Festival

May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

May 10, 2025 - Tulip Festival

May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo

Family Fun Tours

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo

June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

May 26-30, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

May 26-30, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

Crossroad Tours Open House

May 26-30, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

June 7, 2025

June 9-13, 2025 - Niagara Falls & Toronto

June 9-13, 2025 - Niagara Falls & Toronto

Diamond Tours

June 9-13, 2025 - Niagara Falls & Toronto

August 4-9, 2025 - Beautiful Branson

August 4-9, 2025 - Beautiful Branson

August 4-9, 2025 - Beautiful Branson

GEARS — Because of all the dust and concern over fires,

June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

July 5, 2025 - Columbus Zoo

July 5, 2025 - Columbus Zoo

19, 2025 - Shedd Aquarium 10, 2025 - Tulip Festival 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

May 26-30, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

July 5, 2025 - Columbus Zoo

July 12, 2025 - Air Zoo

July 12, 2025 - Air Zoo

July 12, 2025 - Air Zoo

July 19, 2025 - Peru Circus

July 19, 2025 - Peru Circus

September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont

September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont

September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont

June 9-13, 2025 - Niagara Falls & Toronto

August 16, 2025 - Chicago Air Show

July 19, 2025 - Peru Circus

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

August 16, 2025 - Chicago Air Show

October 11-19, 2025 - Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, FL

October 11-19, 2025 - Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, FL

October 11-19, 2025 - Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, FL

August 4-9, 2025 - Beautiful Branson

Diamond Tours

August 23, 2025 - Toledo Zoo

August 23, 2025 - Toledo Zoo

Family Fun Tours

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

August 16, 2025 - Chicago Air Show

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

September 13, 2025 - Fair Oaks Farms

2025 - Columbus Zoo

August 23, 2025 - Toledo Zoo

September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

May 26-30, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

July 12, 2025 - Air Zoo

September 13, 2025 - Fair Oaks Farms

September 13, 2025 - Fair Oaks Farms

September 27, 2025 - Brookfield Zoo

April 19, 2025 - Shedd Aquarium

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

May 10, 2025 - Tulip Festival

September 27, 2025 - Brookfield Zoo

July 19, 2025 - Peru Circus 16, 2025 - Chicago Air Show

September 27, 2025 - Brookfield Zoo

October 11-19, 2025 - Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, FL

May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo

August 23, 2025 - Toledo Zoo

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

June 9-13, 2025 - Niagara Falls & Toronto

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

September 13, 2025 - Fair Oaks Farms

July 5, 2025 - Columbus Zoo

September 27, 2025 - Brookfield Zoo

August 4-9, 2025 - Beautiful Branson

September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

July 12, 2025 - Air Zoo

July 19, 2025 - Peru Circus

August 16, 2025 - Chicago Air Show

August 23, 2025 - Toledo Zoo

September 13, 2025 - Fair Oaks Farms

October 11-19, 2025 - Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, FL

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston,

BAGGING MACHINE Flour from the final rolling machine went to the bagger where it was ready for sale.

BEVELED

wooden gears are used to drive the rolling machines.

ROLLING MACHINES Grain went through eight sets of rollers before it was fine enough for bagging. Visitors can purchase flour in the visitor center.

STOCKDALE MILL Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Stockdale Mill produced flour, animal feed and cereals from 1857 until it closed in 1972.

GREAT ESCAPES Text and Photos

Take a

Continued from page 22

A foundation was established to bring life back into this splendid bit of history. A new roof was the first order of business, and turnbuckles were installed to straighten the sagging walls. It’s still an ongoing project that relies on a dedicated crew of volunteers.

The mill is located just one mile west of Roann on SR 16. For more information, visit stockdalemill.org.

WOODEN CHUTES The fourth floor of the mill is a tangle of chutes that divert the grain to the various grinding machines. Iron rollers do the grinding instead of grindstones.

Get picky about economy class airplane seats

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Legroom — the distance from the point of one seat to the same point on the seat in front of it — has become a common currency among flyers seeking the most comfort in the crowded cabin in the sky. Known as seat pitch, it ranges from 28 to 34 inches on most carriers.

Seat width, which ranges from 17 to 18 inches, also is a comfort consideration.

Wide-bodied aircraft that are squeezing in more rows of seats are most likely to have the narrowest economy class seating.

While window seats offer a bit more privacy than an aisle seat and more comfort than a middle seat, it may not have a window at all because not all seating rows line up with the aircraft’s windows.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

GRINDSTONES — Stones like these were used in the original mill that was built in 1840. The one in the foreground was found buried on the property in 2008.

it

floor, it was bagged for sale.

WITH GRAIN Wagons full of wheat or corn were pulled onto the mill’s scale, weighed, unloaded and weighed again to determine the farmer’s payment. The grain went into a bin in the basement.

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

As you slow down with age — you and your colleagues don’t have coffee as often as you used to, you’re golf games aren’t as frequent and you don’t head out for dinner as many times as you used to — your demands on the family flivver lessen. You probably could sell it and use other modes of transportation to get you where you want to go these days. Keeping your vehicle handy

offers an independence most of us enjoy and you might even be attached to it a bit, so you want to keep it from slowing down with age.

A mechanic’s advice from years ago still applies: “Keep it oiled and greased and it’ll run forever.” Add to that a weekly wash. And wax it regularly to protect its finish.

If you don’t have a garage or car port at home, park it in the shade when possible to keep it from baking in the sun.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

and four trips to the

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Toll-Free Helpline MON - FRI: 8:00AM - 4:30PM EST 1-888-303-0180

Caregiver Support Groups ST. JOSEPH & ELKHART COUNTY (574) 232-4121 Memory Screenings CALL TO SCHEDULE (574) 232-4121

Family Consultations CALL TO SCHEDULE (574) 381-8983