Senior Life - St. Joseph - October 2025

October 2025

South Bend Latin Dance…

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

On Wednesday evenings, the Ironhand Wine Bar transforms into a hub of rhythm, movement and community thanks to South Bend Latin Dance. The group, founded in 2008, draws dancers of all ages and backgrounds.

Organizer and co-founder Bridget Hardy said the group’s diversity is one of its strongest qualities.

“We do have a fair amount of diversity, cultural diversity to age diversity, and I think that’s really important for the community,” Hardy said.

Each Latin Wednesday begins 7 p.m. with a half-hour beginner’s lesson, designed for newcomers who may never have danced before. Hardy said older participants often surprise themselves with how quickly they adapt, drawing on memories of swing or waltz.

“Sometimes our seniors actually come in with a little bit more natural talent … they’re just sort of used to that kind of dancing,” she said.

After the lesson, the floor opens until 10 p.m., with salsa, bachata and other Latin styles filling the room. The atmosphere is upbeat and informal, Hardy emphasized.

“It’s really social dancing … you do it because you like it. It’s about having fun,” she said.

The group’s inclusivity extends to its

pricing and programming. On the first Wednesday of each month, admission is half-price for dancers 55 and older.

Children are also welcome, provided they stay off the bar area, and couples, singles and friend groups alike find a place on the dance floor.

Special “Armory Nights,” held periodically in the larger adjoining space, begin with 45 minutes of ballroom classics. Hardy said those evenings often attract more senior participants.

“Our first wave might be the older dancers coming for ballroom, and then the last wave might be college students,” she said. “It’s nice when everybody overlaps and gets to see each other.”

To make the environment more comfortable for beginners, the group sets up a designated “newcomers table” near the entrance. Hardy and veteran members check in with first-timers to answer questions and encourage participation.

“How we welcome people into the group says a lot about the kind of community we are and want to continue to be,” she said. Hardy also organizes etiquette reminders, from floor safety to partner rotation, through fliers, announcements and social media. “Even before we’re dancers, we’re a community,” she said. “(The dance) can’t happen well without a good community.”

Beyond weekly gatherings, South Bend Latin Dance extends its reach into the Continued on page 2

Protect What Matters Most

AN OPEN ATTITUDE Connie Kabzinski, left, and Dick Houin dance at South Bend Latin Dance. Instructor Bridget Hardy encourages anyone curious to take the leap.

Photos by Patrick Watterson.

THE TWIRL Jennifer Cummings, front, is twirled by Joel Weldy, back. South Bend Latin Dance is open to people of all ages and skill levels.

DANCING IN THE CROWD — Adriana Maxwell, left, and Scott Sernau navigate a full session at South Bend Latin Dance.

Choinacky leads combined South Bend Alumni Association with empathy

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

When Kris Arizmendi Choinacky talks about her new role as chief executive officer of the newly merged South Bend Alumni Association and South Bend Education Foundation, she often circles back to a single theme: every child deserves the chance to thrive.

Choinacky, who previously led the unincorperated South Bend Alumni Association, brings decades of personal and professional connection to local schools.

A Washington High School graduate, she said her edu-

the sense of the diversity that was there. You start seeing different things,” she said, recalling lessons from her language teacher, Mr. Perry, who led student trips abroad. “It opened my eyes to the world and to how much we share as people.”

That awareness of equity and opportunity became central to her work with the Alumni Association, where she emphasized teamwork, fundraising and community engagement to expand programs for students.

“I might have a title, but it’s about a team,” she said. “(The) purpose, at the end of the day, is for these kids ... helping them see themselves, the value they

talents and gain confidence, just as teacher grants and classroom support from the Education Foundation empower educators.

The two organizations, now known simply as the South Bend Alumni Association, formally merged this year after 16 months of planning, creating what Choinacky calls “a true merger” rather than one group absorbing another.

The combined foundation now unites 70 years of service, 40 from the Alumni Association and 30 from the Education Foundation.

“My vision is really to know where legacy and impact are meeting together,” Choinacky

The timing of the merger, she explained, is also driven by financial pressures, with the district projected to lose tens of millions of dollars in state funding over the next three years.

“That affects our mission,” she said. “(By coming together), we can broaden fundraising and

Signature programs will continue, including the South Bend Community Hall of Fame, which honors local leaders and introduces students to stories of perseverance and success, as well as scholarships and teacher

committed to preserving those

traditions while amplifying their reach.

Her philosophy is rooted in empowering voices and cultivating joy in the workplace.

“I always say hire people smarter than you,” she said. “If you find excitement in your work, you’re going to make an impact. And when we make an impact here, it means helping more children, more schools and more teachers.”

As the merged foundation debuts its refreshed identity this fall, Choinacky hopes the community sees more than a new name. She wants residents to feel invited to join committees, share stories, and invest in a mission she calls both urgent and hopeful.

“Every child has talent, every child has gifts to give,” she said. “Our job is to make sure they’re given the opportunity to thrive. Because when they do, our entire community thrives.”

South Bend Latin Dance

Continued from page 1

community, offering demonstrations at schools, nursing homes and events such as Hispanic Heritage Month and 4-H fairs.

The group also supports “Rueda de Casino,” a smaller spinoff that meets biweekly Sunday afternoons in Granger. Hardy said the style, similar to square dancing with a Latin twist, provides a lower-pressure alternative for older participants who may not want to drive at night.

For seniors, Hardy believes social dance offers unique benefits. “It’s mild, healthy activity, it’s social activity … all the things that are especially good for people who are aging, to keep us engaged in life,” she said.

Hardy encourages anyone curious to take the leap. “Don’t be scared,” she said. “Come with an open attitude … often that’s how we discover the best new things in our life.”

For more information, upcoming event dates and dance tutorials, visit South Bend Latin Dance on Facebook or southbendlatindance.com.

HELPING KIDS GROW  Kris Choinacky, chief executive officer of the combined South Bend Alumni Association and South Bend Education Foundation, strives to promote the importance of education — something she says the community is “rooted in,” which every child should have the opportunity to experience fully. Photo provided by Kris Choinacky.

Where Seniors Thrive and Lives Shine

Discover the benefits of our all-in-one Blue Advantage® (PPO) plans, designed to ensure you get the care you need while keeping your costs low. With Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, you’ll enjoy:

• A partner dedicated to providing an easy healthcare experience — in 2025, our Blue Advantage plans received 5 stars for Member Experience with Health Plan and 4 stars for Overall Star Rating.1

• Access to 90% of doctors and 100% of hospitals statewide. 1

Our local advisors are here with the trusted advice you need. Call 1-877-534-5038 (TTY 711)2 or visit BCBSALMedicare.com/Blue19 to attend an online or in-person meeting.3

Blue Advantage is a PPO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Advantage (PPO) depends on contract renewal. Blue Advantage (PPO) is provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

1 Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5 star rating system. Source: BCBSALMedicare.com/whybcbsal

2 We are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. From October 1 to March 31, the hours of operation are Monday –Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. You may be required to leave a message for calls made after hours, weekends and holidays. Calls will be returned the next business day.

3 For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-888-246-7023 (TTY 711).

From archaeology to informatics, Wells helps put it

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

Dr. Joshua Wells, a professor of social informatics and anthropology at Indiana University South Bend, sees more than numbers when it comes to big data.

For him, data is both a tool and a story. One that can shape

health, policy, culture and the way communities connect.

Wells began his career in archaeology and computer science, disciplines that taught him how much information lies beneath the surface.

“Archaeology involves lots of big data,” he said. “We deal with all sorts of complicated data that

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practically nobody else in the world has to.”

From lasers and ground-penetrating radar to microscopes and chemical samples, archaeologists manage vast amounts of information to reconstruct the past.

That experience, Wells said, gave him a unique perspective on modern challenges. “The complexities of other kinds of big data sets actually seem fairly simple to me,” he said. “Because of that, I can help a wide variety of people think about big data issues in their lives and their organizations. And hopefully help solve them.”

Wells’ expertise has taken him far beyond South Bend. He served in a European Union working group that built interoperable data standards, ensuring information could move as freely across borders as electricity or trade.

“They wanted research data ... for health, cultural studies and economic studies to be immediately interoperable,” he explained. “For folks living in the European Union, that means being able to understand how policies are shaping the ability of a euro to be spent one way in one country and another way in another country; to figure out where health outcomes are more or less good for patients and communities.”

follow through.

Though his focus often looks forward, Wells is still grounded in archaeology. He has contributed to research published in National Geographic on how rising sea levels threaten historic sites along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

That project highlighted how climate change not only inundates archaeological sites but also forces infrastructure and communities inland, creating new pressures on cultural heritage.

data it generates can determine quality of life, from health outcomes to child welfare. He encourages his students to see data as a tool for empowerment.

“We have control over a lot of things if we look hard enough for how to manage a situation,” he said. “The data might not be immediately in front of us, but you can look for it, and you can figure out how to make the change that improves lives.”

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Closer to home, Wells sees connectivity as a mixed blessing. Some in St. Joseph County enjoy high-speed fiber, while others struggle with outdated phone lines

“There are very different experiences of the internet and digital infrastructure,” he said. Federal and state legislation has aimed to expand broadband, but he remains cautious about whether funding and political will can

“Some of the earliest peoples in North America (lived near coasts),” Wells said. “It was tens of thousands of sites being impacted, some of which have irreplaceable information.”

The study remains one of the best datasets on the issue, Wells said, but researchers are trying to bring together more information for larger studies.

For Wells, the heart of his work lies in education. He emphasizes that access to technology and the

His students have gone on to careers ranging from Google to public service, video game design to journalism. For Wells, their success reflects his guiding mission: giving people information they can use to live better lives.

“What feels best,” he said, “is when I can give someone an ‘aha’ moment. Whether it’s in a classroom, a library or a public lecture ... if I can help people see a situation in ways they haven’t before — and give them the tools to accomplish change — that feels good to me.”

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EDITORIAL DEADLINES

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Joshua Wells

Photo by Maksym Hart.

The health benefits of peaceful country living at Hamilton Grove

By MICHELLE GENSLINGER Area Marketing Liaison Hamilton Grove

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are seeking a lifestyle that prioritizes health, tranquility and a strong sense of community. Peaceful country living offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being, and Hamilton Grove, located in beautiful New Carlisle, is the perfect place to experience them.

A Breath Of Fresh Air

One of the greatest advantages of country living is the clean, fresh air. Away from the pollution of busy city streets, the open countryside at Hamilton Grove provides an environment where residents can breathe easier and enjoy the natural beauty of rolling fields and wooded trails. Studies have shown that spending time in fresh air can reduce stress, improve lung function and enhance overall health.

Encouraging

An Active Lifestyle

With wide-open spaces and scenic surroundings, the countryside naturally encourages outdoor activities. Residents

at Hamilton Grove can enjoy walking and biking trails, taking in the peaceful sights and sounds of nature. Whether it’s an early morning stroll or an afternoon of bird watching, time spent outdoors is proven to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and increase happiness.

Connection To Nature

Hamilton Grove’s serene setting fosters a deep connection with nature. Residents can enjoy gardening, which is not only a rewarding hobby but also a great way to stay active. The surrounding rural areas offer opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and even visiting local farms or orchards. Being immersed in nature promotes mindfulness, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment.

A Stronger Sense Of Community

Unlike the hustle and bustle of city life, country living provides a close-knit community where neighbors know each other and friendships flourish. Hamilton Grove offers a welcoming environment where residents can enjoy social gatherings, wellness programs, and shared experiences that

contribute to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

For those seeking a life of peace, fresh air, and outdoor enjoyment, Hamilton Grove is the perfect place to call home.

Hudson Lake public access reopens after dredging

Public access to Hudson Lake in LaPorte County has been restored after completion of the dredging of a navigation channel from the boat ramp to the lake. The ramp had been closed since mid-July.

The project, funded by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake and River Enhancement program and Hudson Lake Conservation Association, is hydraulically-pumped sediment from the access channel to an

upland area on the northwest end of the lake.

For more information on the LARE program and its current projects, visit lare.dnr.IN.gov. Find more information on public access sites at on.IN.gov/adopt-a-ramp.

Feel f r ee t o

Our beautiful campus surrounded by nature offers a peaceful setting to enjoy each day With support for meals, housekeeping, and daily routines, you can focus on what matters most spending time outdoors, connecting with friends, or relaxing in your space Call today to learn about our assisted living apartments

FRESH AIR Set among 250 acres of countryside, Hamilton Grove offers residents fresh air, wellness opportunities and even maple syrup from its own trees. Photo provided by Hamilton Grove.

Julie Nadolny thankful for her South Bend Cubs baseball family

By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer

With baseball season wrapping up, Julie Nadolny has now completed 16 years with the South Bend Cubs. Nadolny works in promotions and guest services for the Cubs and has built long friendships through her coworkers and also team fans.

“I love baseball and this is my summer family,” Nadolny said. “I really enjoy seeing the

kids grow up. I’ve had kids as young as 3 all the way up to when they leave for college.”

Making sure people have fun at the ballpark is a top priority for Nadolny as the job itself has been a welcomed distraction for her. Nadolny’s main jobs have been in corrections and child welfare and the ballpark experience continues to lift her up through tough days.

“People come out here to have a good time. That’s the

bottom line. If you have a really rough day, you come out to the ballpark. We are the mini amusement park in town,” Nadolny said. “You got to look at every person as if it’s their first time here. You want to make sure that their first experience here is a good time.”

For Nadolny, making sure all children at the ballpark have a good time is paramount. She is always looking out to make sure no children become separated from their parents.

“No child should ever be lost in the park because that’s a trauma. We don’t want children to have trauma,” Nadolny said.

Originally from Stevensvill, Mich., Nadolny loved being involved in sports. She assisted the athletic department when she was a student at

Western Michigan University and she moved to South Bend in 1982. She joined the South Bend Cubs in 2010 and says her summer family was there for her when she lost her husband.

“When life was hard I was widowed for a number of years this family kept me going. I would look forward to coming out and seeing my friends that are in the stands and seeing my coworkers,” Nadolny said.

She remarried over a year ago to Steve Nadolny and their shared passion for baseball helped them discover their love for one another.

“I met Steve in our 20s. Baseball has always been a part of his life and when we reconnected we did some baseball trips and that’s how we realized there was more than a friendship there that

we wanted something more serious,” Nadolny said.

When Nadolny first started the team was the South Bend Silver Hawks. The team was sold to new ownership in 2011 and became an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs after it had previously been with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Nadolny noticed an improvement in the organization with the change.

“When we became Cubs affiliates it was natural because we have Cubs fans and we do rehabs for the Cubs players. That brings people in,” Nadolny said. “This year I see more Chicago fans coming here because of the price of the ticket and they really enjoy seeing the prospects for the Cubs.”

She has two sons in Kenny and David and David has a wife named Cassie.

After 16 years, the people at the South Bend Cubs is enough incentive to keep coming back.

“I really do have some good friends that I have made over the years. When you go to work and you do something you love it’s never work,” Nadolny said. “When I’ve had a bad day and I need to go to the front office and blow off some steam they allow me to and then I go right back out and everything is OK.”

BASEBALL COUPLE — Julie and Steve Nadolny found common ground through their love for baseball. Photo submitted by Julie Nadolny.

HOME OF THE CUBS — Four Winds Field gets set to host a South Bend Cubs game and hour before first pitch. Photo by Nathan Pace.

Blast To The Past —

‘Lyin Eyes’ resulted from an unexpected incident

The Eagles

By RANDAL C. HILL

This upbeat Eagles ballad tells of a woman entangled in webs of frustration, deceit and entrapment. She lies to everyone — her elderly husband, her younger lover, herself. The affair she has undertaken is, as with many such assignations, a bandage on a painful issue and not a step taken to eliminate the basic problem.

“We saw a lot of beautiful women around Hollywood who were married to wealthy, successful men,” Eagle Glenn Frey once said. “We wondered if they were unhappy.” He later recalled being out with some of the band members when an incident occurred that would unexpectedly benefit the country-rockers’ career: “One night, we were drinking at a bar when I spotted

this stunning young woman with a much older, fat, rich guy. One of the guys commented, ‘Look at her. She can’t even hide those lyin’ eyes.’ Immediately, we all began grabbing for cocktail napkins to write down lyrics to go with that great observation.”

Creating tunes is never easy. In fact, much of the time spent is often a long and frustrating process that includes countless revisions.

But when Frey and fellow Eagle Don Henley composed “Lyin’ Eyes,” Frey later admitted, “I don’t want to say it wrote itself, but once we started working it, there were no sticking points. Lyrics just kept coming out, and that’s not always the way songs get written.”

Within two nights, they had the music and the lyrics stitched together. Fellow Eagle Bernie Leadon later told Rolling Stone, “Glenn was a great storyteller. Just listen to the way he sings ‘Lyin’ Eyes.’”

As the second Asylum Records single from the group’s million-selling “One of These Nights” album, the

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

A. October 11th Senior Talk Michiana, along with Goshen Health, will be hosting the second annual Sensational Saturday Senior Expo at Doc’s Pavilion in Wakarusa. The event will take place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and feature over 20 senior organizations, live entertainment, food, and door prizes.

The event is free, so please join us.

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

Tom Rose

Author & Speaker Balloon in a Box

Coping with Grief Grief Group Facilitator

infectious 45 shot to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. (Elton John’s “Island Girl” kept it from the coveted top spot.) The Eagles’ masterpiece earned the band a Grammy a year later, and country superstars Dolly Parton, Buck Owens and Lynn Anderson all released cover versions. “Lyin’ Eyes” also appeared on the hit soundtrack of the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy.”

“You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes

“And your smile is a thin disguise

“I thought by now you’d realize

“There ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes”

In the story, a woman slips away from her husband after telling him that she’s going out to visit a friend “who’s feeling down.”

“She drives on through the night, anticipating

“Because he makes her feel the way she used to feel

“The fleeting moments she enjoys with her lover include a promise that will never be kept.

“She swears that soon she’ll be coming back forever

“She goes away and leaves him with a smile.”

At the story’s end, she sadly realizes that her affair will never restore the life she once enjoyed.

“She wonders how it ever

got this crazy

“She thinks about a boy she knew in school

“Did she get tired or did she just get lazy?

“She’s so far gone she feels just like a fool.”

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

Rose and Rose Associates Senior Talk Michiana

574-596-6256

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

Hospice Care

Q. How does one choose the right hospice care provider?

A. Choosing the right hospice care provider is one of the most important decisions families make during a loved one’s final stage of life. Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and support not only for the patient but also for their family. Because every hospice program is different, knowing what to look for ensures that your loved one receives the compassionate, quality care they deserve.

First, check for proper licensing and accreditation. A reputable hospice provider should be Medicare-certified and meet state regulations. Accreditation from organizations such as The Joint Commission is an added assurance of high standards.

Next, consider the scope of services. Hospice care should include pain management, emotional and spiritual support, respite care for families, and bereavement counseling. Ask whether services are available 24/7 since urgent needs don’t always happen during office hours.

Another factor is the care team approach. The best hospice providers offer an interdisciplinary team that may include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers. Families

Tim Bradley, MA, BSN, RN Executive

should feel confident that this team works together to create and follow a personalized care plan.

It’s also important to evaluate communication and transparency. Families should feel heard, respected, and informed every step of the way. Ask how often updates will be provided and whether staff are easily reachable with questions or concerns. Finally, trust your instincts. Beyond credentials and services, compassion and empathy should shine through in every interaction. A hospice provider that listens, explains clearly, and treats your loved one like family is often the “right one.” By carefully weighing these elements, credentials, services, teamwork, communication, and compassion, you can choose a hospice care provider that truly honors your loved one’s journey with comfort and dignity.

SONG ALMOST RIGHTS ITSELF The Eagles hit “Lyin’ Eyes’ came about from from an unexpected incident and almost wrote itself. Photo from YouTube.

A Boomer Blast To The Past

Tom Rose

Harry Potter film concert series begins

The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to the Morris Performing Arts Center with “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” in concert, the third film in the Harry Potter series.

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra will perform this magical score live from “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and CineConcerts created the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, the only official global concert tour celebrating the “Harry Potter” films. Since the world premiere of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in concert in 2016, more than 3 million fans have enjoyed this magical experience, which is scheduled to include over 2,973 performances across more than 48 countries worldwide through 2025.

In their third year at Hogwarts, Harry, Ron and Hermione meet escaped prisoner Sirius Black and learn to handle a half-horse/half-eagle Hippogriff, repel shape-shifting Boggarts and master the art of divination. Harry must also withstand soul-sucking Dementors, outsmart a dangerous werewolf and deal

with the truth about Sirius and his relationship to Harry and his parents.

Earning an Oscar nomination for the score, the spellbinding and masterful music composed by John Williams became a celebrated classic, conjuring beautiful, soaring motifs continuing the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends on their magical journey.

Justin Freer, president of CineConcerts and producer/conductor of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series explained, “The Harry Potter film series is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomenon that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. It is with great pleasure that we bring fans for the first time ever an opportunity to experience the award-winning music scores played live by a symphony orchestra, all while the beloved film is simultaneously projected onto the big screen. This is truly an unforgettable event.”

Brady Beaubien of CineConcerts and concert producer for the Harry Potter Film Concert Series added, “Harry Potter is synonymous with excitement around the world, and we hope that by performing this incredible music with the full movie, audiences will continue to celebrate the

wizarding world.”

Tickets are on sale now. Visit southbendsymphony.org or

call (574) 232-6343 for more information. For more information on

the official Harry Potter Film Concert Series, visit harrypotterinconcert.com.

‘Viva la Música, Berlioz Fantastique’ Nov. 1

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series opens with an unforgettable fusion of music and imagery as Westwater Arts’ stunning panoramic visuals bring vibrant Latin American soundscapes to life in ”Viva la Música,” followed by the drama of “Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique.”

Music Director Alastair Willis leads this one-night-only concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Morris Performing Arts Center.

The first half of the evening features the acclaimed Westwater Arts Symphonic Photochoreography. The stunning panoramic visuals will accompany

three iconic works: “Revueltas’ La Noche de los Mayas,” “Copland’s El Salón México,” and Moncayo’s beloved “Huapango.”

These vivid pieces come alive on screen and on stage, offering an immersive experience which bridges music and imagery.

Following the intermission, the symphony performs Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique,” a dramatic journey the orchestra will bring to life.

“Traveling through 18 states in Mexico to photograph these pieces was the opportunity of a lifetime,” said photographer and multimedia artist, Nicholas Bardonnay. “The natural and cultural beauty of Mexico, its friendly folks, and its vibrant

festivals will forever stay with me. I am so excited to share the resulting performance pieces — and this experience — with South Bend’s community. I hope they will live on through you, the audience, too.”

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra is grateful to Jack M. Champaigne for supporting the Masterworks Series.

Discounts, priority seating, and other exclusive benefits are available to subscribers. Save seats at southbendsymphony. org or by phone at (574) 2326343.

Single tickets: Buy online at southbendsymphony.org or call Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office at (574) 235-9190.

Community concert features live orchestra, mariachi, and immersive visuals

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra returns to the Morris Performing Arts Center for the fourth year of the Shein Trust Día de los Muertos concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. This community event blends music and imagery in a tribute to tradition, memory and cultural expression.

Led by Music Director Alastair Willis, the South Bend Symphony will present a vibrant program

inspired by the rich heritage of Mexico and Latin America. This no-admission concert features collaborative performances with Westwater Arts’ Symphonic Photochoreography and the acclaimed Sones de Mexico Ensemble. The result is a cross-cultural experience honoring aspects of Día de los Muertos.

“This year we are excited to welcome Juan Díes and Sones de Mexico Ensemble from Chicago — the country’s premier folk music organization specializing in regional styles of huapango, gustos, chilenas, son jarocho, and more,” said Marvin V. Curtis, South Bend Symphony Board Member. “This year, we will also have the Notre Dame Mariachi

Band playing pre-concert music in the lobby from 2-2:45 p.m. This is our fourth year of celebrating Día de los Muertos, and we invite everyone to come celebrate with us.”

Admission is free, but tickets are required for entry. Tickets can be reserved through the Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office, morriscenter.org, or southbendsymphony.org.

This program is presented as part of the Shein Trust Community Series, with support from the Shein Trust and the City of South Bend Venues, Parks and Arts, in collaboration with the Morris Performing Arts Center and South Bend Symphony Orchestra.

Walls Ceilings

Walls Ceilings Window And Door Trim

Window And Door Trim Stairways

Stairways

Walls Ceilings Window And Door Trim Stairways

Woodwork Staining

Woodwork Staining

Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls

Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls

Small Patch Repair

Woodwork Staining

Small Patch Repair

Drywall Repair

Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls

Drywall Repair

Small Patch Repair

Great Service – Reasonable Rates

Great Service – Reasonable Rates

Drywall Repair

References Available Upon Request. 574-304-5075

References Available Upon Request. 574-304-5075

Great Service – Reasonable Rates

References Available Upon Request. 574-304-5075

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS

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

IN THE AREA

Join staff from the St. Joseph County Parks to fight invasive species and protect natural areas. Learn how to identify and remove these plants that threaten forests, fields and wetlands.

Weed Wrangle takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 3, at Bendix Woods County Park Runnels Shelter. Dress in long sleeves and pants. Refreshments will be provided thanks to the sponsor, Logistick Inc. Register in advance by calling (574) 654-3155. Bendix Woods County Park is located at 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle.

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Bendix Woods County Park invites families to “Bones and Bonfires” special event. Bendix Woods County Park in New Carlisle will host its annual fall special event from 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11. Visitors are invited to spend a frightfully fun fall night discovering the natural world. Spot spooky skeletons on a fall hayride, meet live nocturnal animals and explore bones and fossils with Dino Don. Roast a hot dog and make a s’more at the bonfire, make a nature craft and more. Costumes are welcome.

Event entry is free thanks to the sponsors: St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, Indiana Michigan Power Foundation, University of Notre Dame and the Scott D. and Tara J. Smith Fund of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. There is a charge for concessions. Some items are cash-sale only and there is no ATM on site.

Bendix Woods County Park is located at 56960 Timothy Road, south of SR 2, eight miles west

Apartment Living

of the U.S. 31 Bypass.

For more information, visit sjcparks.org or call (574) 6543155.

—o—

Bendix Woods County Park will host a nighttime neon hayride from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Light up the fall night with neon colors. Glow-in-the-dark face painting, neon cookies and drinks will be offered along with a hayride through the darkened woods in glowing, neon trailers.

The cost of the program is $8 per person payable at the front gate. Cash and credit accepted.

Bendix Woods County Park is located at 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle. For more information, call (574) 654-3155.

—o—

St. Patrick’s County Park invites you to experience nature in a new way as you walk a trail and read a book at the same time. The StoryWalk consists of a series of signs set up along a trail. Each sign displays the pages of a picture book. The new StoryWalk, which is located across the parking lot from the playground at St. Patrick’s County Park, features the story “Wild Berries” by Julie Flett, in which Clarence and his grandmother pick berries together in a

peaceful forest, seeing wildlife along the way.

The story includes words in the Cree language and beautiful watercolor illustrations by the author. The StoryWalk is a collaborative project of the St. Joseph County Parks and the St. Joe County Public Library. The StoryWalk will be open through Nov. 1. St. Patrick’s County Park is open daily. A gate fee is collected on weekends ($4/in-county vehicle; $5/ out-of-county vehicle), and on Fridays through Labor Day. St. Patrick’s County Park is located at 50651 Laurel Road, west of US 933 and north of Auten Road, South Bend. —o—

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 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.

Shaffers couldn’t have restored 19th-century church without God’s help

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

When Robert and Molly Shaffer bought a collapsing old barnturned-church in 1998, their attorney told them they were taking on nothing but liability.

Engineers said it was beyond saving.

But the couple believed otherwise.

“It was really God inspired,” Robert Shaffer said. “He put a burning desire into both of us, and we worked as a team to restore it. We prayed to God, and we told him we’d put it back for him.”

That leap of faith became the Old Rugged Cross Church Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the church where the famous hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” was first introduced in 1913.

The well-known anthem was written by Rev. George Bennard and sold to Winona Lake-based Rodeheaver Company the same year for $500.

What followed was more than 20 years of fundraising, volunteer labor and what the Shaffers describe as countless moments of providence that made restoration possible.

The workload was extensive. The roof sagged, walls were rotting and plaster chunks fell dangerously from the ceiling. Yet the Shaffers and their team were able to press on, never borrowing money but finding donations would come when needed.

“Sometimes the exact amount appeared, and it was just amazing,” Robert Shaffer said. “We learned early on that God was in control of that project, and we were just tools being used.”

Contractors and artisans often came to view the work as their own mission. One plasterer vol-

unteered extra time and effort, even returning months later to insist the church receive proper heating.

Soon after, a surprise estate gift of $25,000 arrived — exactly enough to cover the system.

By 2019 the building was fully restored to its 1913 appearance.

Today, it is listed on both the state and national historic registers and has been honored with a Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation.

The Shaffers emphasize that the Old Rugged Cross Church is not simply a historic site.

“It is a ministry,” Robert Shaffer said. Bus tours and hymn sings draw people from around the world, including those who rarely attend church.

“People come and confess they’re not churchgoers, but they’re here because that hymn was their mom or grandparent’s favorite,” Molly Shaffer said. “They may even come with tears in their eyes. That’s God working.”

Hymn sings, concerts and special services are held regularly from May through December. The church also hosts weddings and funerals, welcoming all denominations.

“The doctrines stay at the

door,” Robert Shaffer said. “All denominations sit side by side, praising the Lord through music.”

Behind the church, a landscaped prayer garden tells the story of Christ’s life, from a stable to the cross.

Visitors stop to eat lunch, meditate or pray. “Many people have sent us letters saying how thankful they are that there’s a place like this,” Molly Shaffer said.

One of the most remarkable stories in the restoration came with the return of the church’s 1871 pump organ. After decades in Florida and Pennsylvania, it was delivered back to Pokagon a family who felt called to honor its history.

When local craftsman Tom Umbaugh repaired the instrument, he refused payment.

“This is for Jesus,” he told the Shaffers.

Looking to pass down the historic site, the Shaffers are working to bring younger leaders onto the board and to restore the nearby annex building for events and rentals.

“It’s God’s church,” Robert Shaffer said. “We don’t take credit. We give God the credit.

“Every day, it’s a privilege,” added Molly Shaffer.

RUGGED CROSS RESTORED From left, Robert and Molly Shaffer of the Old Rugged Cross Foundation stand in front of the nonprofit’s restored namesake church. After a 1998 purchase, the Shaffers spent 20 years and gathered $1 million to restore it. “We restored it exactly the way it was built,” Robert explained, with authentic 1860s construction practices such as hand-waxing new beams. Photo provided by Robert Shaffer and Molly Shaffer.

Stretching the truth

My wife takes a yoga class. The session is an hour long, but she’s usually gone about two and a half hours. I understand why she is gone so long. The class is way across the street. You’re not supposed to talk during the session, so a lot of neighborhood gossip builds up during the silent period.

The ladies have their own mats, but most have resisted going into full yoga dress mode. That’s a good thing. Here’s why.

A Canadian clothing company that manufactures yoga garb once had a quality control problem that alienated its fan base. Especially the part of

the base that has a big fanny. Its hottest item was a pair of stretch yoga pants that sold for $100. This is the perfect garment for men and women seeking to transcend their material attachments. And the pants look really cool with a pair of $1,200 Louis Vuitton running shoes.

The company website had a disclaimer that read: “In some cases, you may experience extreme sheerness.” In other words, you can see through the pants. When your garment selection lists possible side effects, you may need to reconsider your wardrobe.

One consumer expert suggested that before you purchase the pants, you should try them on and bend over to see if there is a “see-through” issue. Of course, you are hardly in the best position to gather accurate information that way. You might say to your BFF, “I have a really, really big favor to ask of you.”

A company spokesperson suggested you do a yoga maneuver called a “downward dog” to test the transparency of the fabric. I had no idea what this was, so I searched for it on YouTube. My wife came down to the basement when I was watching a video demonstration and now I’m forbidden to go online unless I have spousal supervision.

One yoga enthusiast, presently employed as an engineer, said she doesn’t mind that her butt shows, but she dislikes the fabric because of the excessive static cling. This is what happens when you ask an electrical engineer a question about tight translucent pants instead of asking a structural engineer.

A sales representative addressed the problem of defective inventory already in the stores. “The company will be pulling our pants down from the shelves.” When you utter a sentence that includes

the phrase, “pulling our pants down,” you’re just asking for some tabloid journalist to take your quote out of context.

One clothing manufacturing analyst said that the company needs to deal with the problem and get some closure. Apparently, he forgot that with elastic-waist pants, closure is seldom an issue. Then he went on to say, “It is clear that they really have a good product.” He could have added, “They also have a product that is really clear.”

Another company official noted: “Investors have been plowing money into the stock, so we still have room to grow,” which is not only commentary on future potential but a nod to the biggest advantage of pants made of spandex. And finally, the chief financial officer added that analysts are taking a “wait and see attitude.”

Men parked in front of the fitness center are adopting a similar approach.

Circle of Caring Award dinner Nov. 5

The third Circle of Caring Award Dinner will take place Wednesday, Nov. 5, honoring the late Cindy Hawkins, at the Lerner Theater, Elkhart. The 2025 Circle of Caring Award Dinner will posthumously honor Cindy (Bontrager) Hawkins in recognition of her lifelong service and commitment to her community.

Diagnosed in June of 2023 with glioblastoma, an aggres-

sive form of brain cancer, she entered chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments. In April of 2024, along with her family, she made the decision to enroll in the services of Center for Hospice Care, who made arrangements for her to be cared for and comfortable at the family home. She passed away May 8, 2024, surrounded by her family.

The family home, where her circle of life began and ended,

was also the birthplace of the Jayco RV company — founded by her parents, Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager — and many a family meal. A mother of four, daughters, Alli and Abbi, and sons, Mitch and Kevin, she treasured having the kids and their friends at the house, welcoming all with delicious food, love and laughter. When the kids grew and began to spread their wings, they started a new tradition

From connection to care: Reflecting on senior centers, supporting caregivers

By KARLA “KJ” MAPES President and CEO REAL Services

As September comes to a close, we wrap up National Senior Center Month —a time when communities across the country celebrate the power of connection, engagement and lifelong learning. But here in our region, we don’t just celebrate it — we live it.

At Portage Commons Senior Center in South Bend, laughter echoes during exercise classes, cameras click during photography club and neighbors turn into friends over coffee and cards. At OWLS Active Aging Center, local councils on aging, and senior meal sites, older adults find energy, belonging, and daily opportunities to connect.

As we look ahead to National Family Caregivers Month in November, I find myself reflecting on how deeply important these spaces are — not just for older adults but for caregivers too.

When my mom had her stroke, my dad became her

full-time caregiver. He did it with love, quiet strength and determination but also in deep isolation. Like many men of his generation, his social life had been tied to his job. When that ended and caregiving began, there was no team, no outlet. He never said he was lonely. But I could see it.

He created his own network: the local convenience store, credit union, barber shop, gas station and the post office. These weren’t just errands. They were his connection to the world beyond caregiving — short, meaningful exchanges that helped him feel like himself.

And here’s what truly moved me: after he passed away, many of those people — the ones behind the counters and service desks — sent cards or came to his funeral. They told me how much his weekly visits had meant to them. They said he was an inspiration. He thought he was leaning on them but he was also lifting them.

What I know now is this: he would have loved having a senior center nearby. It would’ve

been a lifeline, a space to talk, laugh, learn, and simply be and oh did he have a great laugh. Especially as a male caregiver, it could have filled the void left by work and reminded him he wasn’t alone.

That’s why senior centers and caregiver programs matter. These aren’t luxuries. They’re essential. Resources, like Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, offer free, local caregiver support because no one should walk this journey alone.

We all have a role in strengthening this web of support.

For caregivers, those daily moments of connection matter more than most people realize. They offer a pause, a reset, and a chance to feel human again — even if just for a few minutes. My dad knew that instinctively. I like to imagine him at a senior center, sitting near the coffee pot, chatting with whoever walked by (insert stale jokes here), forming a new routine filled with purpose and people. He would’ve belonged there, and I think he would’ve stayed awhile.

of “Mondays at Mom’s” where family gathered to share fellowship.

She enjoyed working with young people, whether it was her own children or organizing the recreation events for national church youth conventions, coaching volleyball at Bethany Christian High School and serving as interim youth pastor at Clinton Frame Church for several years. She served on a number of boards in the community, including Wycliff Associates, a word-wide Bible translation organization.

Having friends and family in the home was an honor for her. She loved to host the kids’ friends when they were younger, welcoming all with delicious food along with love and laughter. Even during the untimely diagnosis of her brain tumor, she continued to care for others. She regularly reached out to many of her “people” just to make sure they knew they were loved. A high priority for her was caring for her extended family, her husband, kids and beloved grandchildren. She fought throughout her cancer journey to maintain her autonomy and continued to do what she loved despite the limitations of her condi-

tion. She believed in prioritizing what is lifegiving. Her commitment to giving back to her community through supporting family and youth-focused programs strongly aligns with CHC’s mission to improve the quality of living and makes her a deserving recipient of the 2025 Circle of Caring Award.

To buy tickets, visit foundationforhospice.org or call (574) 277-4100.

CINDY HAWKINS

Yesteryear’s Christmas in the Middle West

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Today’s anticipated Christmas booty would never appear on the dreamscape of most youngsters during the 1940s or early 50s. What toyland wonders we didn’t know about in those days weren’t missed.

Comparatively speaking, post-war vintage toys were, at best, primitive. After World War II, plastic was hard to get and metal of any kind was expensive. After the war, toys were, shall we say, fragile. Fighting off Indians and robbers trying to win the American West was no easy. The biggest problem with six-shooters of the last half of the 1940s was that many toys, especially pistols, were made of compressed sawdust. We had to lay our pistols down on the ground ever so gently lest it break apart.

On more than one occasion, Mom came to the rescue and got the barrel glued back a bit crooked. Sometimes she glued the barrel upside down. Roy, Gene and Hoppy would be shocked.

The only gift Santa might bring that would be close to that of today were Tinker Toys — the Legos of yesteryear.

Gift ideas for Santa were limited because there was no television. Surveying hints for his bag were found primarily in store windows or

in the annual Sears, Wards, or Spiegel catalogs. Somehow our requests were hinted to Mom and Dad. Of course, a little help from the U.S. Post Office was our backup for direct requests.

Being good was always part of the bargain. Those items of joy neatly on display in stores had price tags. The price of $3.95 seemed to be the most popular number. As it happened, the price was just a tad out of our Dad’s budget range.

Having lots of presents under the tree measured the amount of joy you expressed. If you were lucky enough to get a biggie like a sled, then it occupied a place of honor unwrapped displayed among a pile of gift-wrapped goodies. On lean years, Mom would increase the gift count by separately wrapping socks, making the big day seem more abundant than it really was.

Electric trains were high on the lists for most-coveted items. While Lionel train sets were the most popular, no self-respecting railroad man would be satisfied with anything but an American Flyer. Lionel trains were powered by a center track while American Flyers copied the real thing with just two rails. Flyers were authentic-looking in every respect. Mom didn’t understand such things but Dad did. His problem was the price tag. A Lionel set was

around $14.95. American Flyer commanded $19.95. Such extravagances at our house were out of the question.

Ironically, if you could find either a Lionel or an American Flyer today, they’d probably command a collector’s price tag in the hundreds of dollars.

The Holy Grail on nearly every boy’s wish list was a Red Ryder air rifle. Mom said what nearly every mom did: “No! You’ll shoot your eye out.”

Remembering Mom and Dad at Christmas could be a bit of a challenge. Weekly allowance didn’t go very far. I got 50 cents a week.

If you had any money, it wouldn’t be enough to buy more than one item. For Mom there was always “Evening in Paris” perfume for 50 cents. It certainly wasn’t Chanel No. 5.

As for Dad, we somehow managed to buy him a necktie, for a man who only wore one for weddings and funerals. Mom usually helped by giving us a dollar or three to buy him something. Dad went through a number of fashion seasons.

One year late in their married life, they had made some huge expenditure, causing Mom to tell Dad not to worry about getting her a gift for Christmas. Dad took Mom at her word, causing a very tense Christmas morning. Of course, as she always did, Mom remembered Dad with

October 2025

at least two or three presents. From that year forward, my sister and I made sure Dad had something for Mom under every tree. Throughout my years at home, I don’t think Dad ever shopped for anything at Christmas or birthday.

For those who annually

watch Jean Shepherd’s movie, “A Christmas Story,” you get a good picture of what Christmas was like in my hometown of Seymour, during the ‘40s and ‘50s.

In that movie, the 1937 Pontiac parked in the family’s driveway is exactly like my Dad’s car.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Escorted tours offer safety, mobility

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Travel in any form can be rewarding, whether its hitch-hiking solo around the world or cruising the Caribbean in a luxury liner loaded with hundreds of folks.

In most cases, people seem to enjoy traveling with other people. Cruise lines, tour operators, travel agents and the internet offer endless choices on destinations, levels of comfort, length of time, variety of activities, and type of lodgings.

If you wish to avoid the crowds participating in most of the above, you can seek out an escorted tour that is tailored more closely to your tastes.

They can make travel much simpler because your trip is preplanned and you have the safety and security of traveling in a group. When any problem arises, the tour escort handles it.

These group travelers no longer have to spend their trip packed into a bus between

stops to take photos of their sites.

Now they feed the animals on the farm they visit if they wish and have plenty of free time to tour the villages they visit on the back roads they travel.

An attraction right off is that the cost of such a tour is an all-in-on package that’s much cheaper than booking all the components yourself. The price includes transportation, meals, lodgings and activities on your schedule.

Among the major attractions of an escorted group tour is the ability to focus on a particular destination, event or activity.

You can be part of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem or to the Olympic games in a country you’ve always wanted to visit. Or you can be among a group that settles comfortably into Tuscany or southern France for a few days to sip and sample their wines.

You can do almost anything and visit anywhere you wish, but don’t have to go it alone.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Center for Older Adults 901 Lincolnway, La Porte IN 46350 phone: 219-326-5354 email: seniorcenter@cityoflaportein.gov

SPOTLIGHT ON Marshall County SENIOR EXPO 2025

Plans Underway for the 18th Annual Marshall County Senior Expo

Plans are well underway for one of the year’s most anticipated community events—the 18th Annual Marshall County Senior Expo. Hosted by the Marshall County Council on Aging, the Expo will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Plymouth High School, #1 Big Red Drive, Plymouth, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is completely free, and everyone is invited to join the celebration.

This annual event has grown into a cornerstone of community connection, providing seniors, their families, and friends with a day full of resources, entertainment, and fellowship. More than 60 vendors will be on site, offering information and services tailored to the needs and interests of older adults. Guests can also enjoy a free breakfast and lunch, plus the chance to win door prizes throughout the day, with a grand prize drawing of $250 Chamber Bucks!

Health and wellness remain a major focus of the Senior Expo. Attendees will have access to a wide variety of free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, hearing tests, grip strength, glucose testing, video otoscopic exams, and strength and balance evaluations. Onsite mammograms will also be available. In addition, several important vaccinations will be offered, including influenza, Prevnar, Shingrix, and COVID-19, making the Expo not just informative, but also an important step toward better health.

Of course, no Expo would be complete without lively entertainment. This year will feature a mix of new acts alongside returning favorites. Local performers Bob Snare and Paul Mitchell will bring music and energy to the stage, while the ever-popular 1st Source Bingo promises fun for all. A highlight of the day will be the presentation of the Senior of the Year Award, honoring an outstanding community member for their contributions and spirit.

Transportation is available free of charge for senior residents of Marshall County by appointment, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to attend.

The Council on Aging extends its heartfelt thanks to this year’s generous sponsors, including Deaton-Clemens VanGilder Funeral Home, Miller’s Merry Manor, Bowen Health, Pilgrim Manor, Autumn Trace Senior Communities, Elias Insurance, Visiting Angels, and Dash Getaways. Their support makes

this community tradition possible year after year.

The mission of the Marshall County Council on Aging is simple: to help people remain independent and engaged. Beyond the Expo, the organization provides public transportation, home-delivered meals, as well as many services, social activites, and educational programs at the Life Enrichment Center, located at 1305 W. Harrison St. in Plymouth.

For more information,

call (574) 936-9904 or visit MarshallCountyCouncil onAging.org.

Mark your calendars for Oct. 16 and plan to be part of this fun, free, and inspiring day.

Advertorial

DON & KAREN HINSDALE

2024 Seniors of the Year, pictured with Missy Colvin, Colvin Health & Senior Services (sponsor of the award), and Janis Holiday, executive director, Marshall County Council on Aging.

Marshall County Council on Aging

Corporate sponsors:

Independence | Dignity | Strength

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

info@ info@realservices.org

Join

Us for REAL Talk Are You Smarter Than A Scam Artist?

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

Oct. 8 | 11 AM | Portage Commons (574) 284 - 7189

Oct. 16 | 11 AM | OWLS (574) 336-2652

Oct. 24 | 11:30 AM | 1ROOF(Lunch) (574) 284-7189

Oct. 28 | 11:30 AM | Salvation Army of Elkhart (Lunch) (574) 284-7184

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

Energy Assistance

Starting October 1st

REAL Services’ Energy Assistance Program (EAP) will begin accepting applications for the upcoming heating season. EAP (also called LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households with electric, gas, propane, or fuel oil bills—so you can keep your home safe and warm.

Who can apply?

Households in our service area with income within program guidelines. Renters and homeowners are both eligible.

How to get help/apply:

Call: 574-232-6501

Apply/Learn More at https://realservices.org/services/ energy-assistance/

“Energy Assistance kept my lights on and my kids warm last winter. The process was easier than I expected.” — J.S., South Bend

realservices.org Real Services, Inc.

Health Education Classes

Bingocize | Fridays: Aug 1-Oct 3 10 AM - 11 AM | Portage Commons

Learn important topics while you have fun, exercise, and win prizes!

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) I Tues & Thurs: Starts Aug 5 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Portage Commons

Helping you stay independent, active, and prevent falls.

Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE) I Wednesdays: Sept 17-Oct 22 | 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM (CT) | Michigan City Senior Center

Activities and discussion to better understand the aging process and how lifestyle choices and behaviors impact health, among other topics.

Pre-Registration Required, Call (574) 284 - 7189

Better Age Initiative

REAL Services, your trusted Area Agency on Aging, is partnering with BetterAge to bring you a new way to take charge of your life—on your own terms.

Take a 7–10-minute assessment

Receive Your Personal Health and Well-Being Report. Get a customized Action Plan with guidance and resources you can use immediately.

Explore steps for growth and improvement

Your participation benefits both you and the broader community— locally and nationally.

2025 Trivia Night

Hollywood red carpet themed evening of games, costume contest, prizes, and cash & card bar!

$20 | Per person

$150 | Table of 8

Oct 24 | 6 PM - 9 PM | Elks Lodge #235

3535 McKinley Ave., South Bend, IN

Scan to Register

How I Stay Strong

Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community—stay up to date on vaccinations to prevent serious illness, reduce costly health impacts, and safeguard the future.

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

portagecommons@realservices.org

133 N. William St. South Bend, Indiana 46601 | (574) 284-7159 | Mon. - Fri. 10AM - 3PM Your Community. Your Time. Your Place.

October 6 | Registration Open House | Portage Commons

October 7 | First Day of Meals

Lunch served at 11:30 AM | Portage Commons

Lunch is provided 5 days a week | Ages 60 and over

realservices.org/portage-commons/ Portage Commons

& Crafts Friendly Faces & Good Company

Special Events & Guest Speakers

Health & Fitness Programs

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

Early detection saves lives, and this is a great opportunity to put your health first.

October 7 | 9AM - 1 PM | Portage Commons | 133 N. William St. South Bend, IN

To schedule an appointment, call 574.335.4500 or toll-free 1.888.455.4450. Walk-ins welcome as schedule permits. Social Activities & Games

Lakeside living: Discover your next chapter in Rensselaer

By ADAM MCNEIL Manager of Lakeside Community

Looking for a peaceful, friendly place to enjoy retirement? Just 45 minutes south of the Chicagoland area, Lakeside Community offers a warm, welcoming 55-plus environment that feels like home from the moment you arrive. Family-owned and operated for generations, Lakeside is known for its genuine sense of community, caring neighbors and beautifully maintained surroundings.

Spanning over 50 acres of natural beauty, Lakeside offers wooded views, abundant wildlife and two sparkling lakes

What kind of fool am I?

it seemed it was never out of season. But really, adolescents acting foolish?

That seems to be par for the course. But it always came so naturally. It never had to be forced! Even a foolish boy just might grow

perfect for fishing or enjoying the scenery. Watch your grandkids play on the sandy beach or relax on the clubhouse porch with a good book and a fresh breeze.

The clubhouse is the social

to become an unfoolish man.

Like the little steam engine that

•

hub of the community, featuring a country-style kitchen for monthly potluck dinners, plus exercise equipment, a billiards table and a cozy library. Whether you’re staying active or simply enjoyingwwthe quiet charm of nature, there’s always something to do.

We offer spacious, modern homes for purchase — new custom-order options start at just $129,000, and preowned homes are periodically available. With varied floor plans, low taxes and maintenance-free options, you’ll find a home that fits both your needs and your lifestyle.

Ready to explore Lakeside Community? Call us at (219) 866-5165, email lakeside@turnkeycommunities.com, or visit enjoylakeside.com to see available listings or request more information. Come see why so many people are proud to call Lakeside Community home!

Senior Expo

Oct. 1 in LaPorte

An expo for older adults and their caregivers will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium in LaPorte.

A fun and informative morning will bring together seniors, caregivers and industry professionals to showcase all the opportunities and resources existing in LaPorte and surrounding areas.

Whether you are seeking information or assistance, you’re sure to find the resources you’re looking for at one of the many vendor booths.

Guests will also have the opportunity to hear from experts and engage one-on-one with industry professionals to learn more about available resources and services. Plus, enjoy free giveaways all morning long, including drawings for door prizes, complimentary health screenings, and free food and beverages.

This event is open to seniors,caregivers and loved ones of all ages; no registration required.

For more information, visit laporteparkandrec.com or call (219) 326-9600. LaPorte Civic Auditorium is located at 1001 Ridge St., LaPorte.

Lorne Michaels’s brash experiment results in ‘Saturday Night Live’

By RANDAL C. HILL

“Saturday Night Live” was Canadian comic genius/ producer/director Lorne Michaels’s brash experiment, conceived in three weeks in 1975 as a refreshing NBC-TV alternative to Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” reruns.

The idea behind Michaels’s clever brainchild was to channel the counterculture, modernize the traditional variety show, and lure a generation of disaffected young people back to television.

The program was also imagined as a hip offering for baby boomers looking to stay up late. There would be a different host each week, best-selling musical acts, and a cast offering high-octane comedy skits (often about politics), with SNL advertisers targeting viewers who were 18 to 34 years old.

Rather than hire costly, established performers, Lorne tapped into unknown talent from a variety of comedy ensembles unfamiliar to mainstream TV watchers. The original troupe of players included then-unknowns Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Chevy Chase — collectively labeled The Not Ready for Prime Time Players.

The show debuted on Oct. 11, 1975, with the always edgy George Carlin as host and Billy Preston and Janis Ian as musical guests.

Michaels had a winner right out of the gate. During the first season, the SNL cast members rose from obscurity to national prominence as the weekend broadcast promptly became a “must see” for its roiling stew of satirical humor and celebrity impressions.

The improvisational backgrounds of the ensemble allowed performers to experiment with different approaches to comedy. Iconic characters that sprang from the first season included Belushi’s samurai, the Coneheads and Radner’s Roseanne Roseannadanna.

Although some on the team dabbled in cocaine, drug usage

was less of a problem than that caused by John Adam Belushi.

Michaels had been reluctant to hire the versatile, multi-talented comic, since Lorne believed that, as good as John was, his often-outrageous behavior loomed large as a potential source of trouble for the show.

Michaels’s doubts were soon proven correct.

Belushi’s conduct caused a tsunami of problems. He especially projected hostility to SNL’s female writers; Jane Curtin later said, “John felt as though it was his duty to sabotage pieces written by women. He believed women should not be there.” Belushi was sometimes told that a female-created sketch had been written by a team man.

“Saturday Night Live” has launched numerous careers and franchises. Dan Aykroyd

and John Belushi became the SNL soul/rock duo the Blues Brothers, later starring in the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers” and recording Atlantic Records discs under their popular stage name.

Beyond the original celebrities came such later alumni who have also had successful careers — Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Dana Carvey and Tina Fey. SNL has also spun off a dozen movies and won nearly 100 Emmys.

Over the decades, the program has faced some tough criticism, such as the ongoing complaint that SNL has lost its relevance. Oh? Tell that to today’s viewer who still enjoys a dose of weekend laughs from a program that has shaped part of the American popular culture over the past half-century.

Selling a home with compassion

By HELEN QUICK REMAX 100

Selling a home is more than just a sale— it’s personal. It can be overwhelming in the best of times, but when it’s time to downsize from a home you’ve lived in for many years due to an illness or after the loss of a loved one, it can be especially challenging.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go through it alone.

I have over 20 years experience in real estate and special training as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Certified Probate Specialist. Yes, those are real things.

I help people like you move on to their next chapter of life without all the stress, mess or mystery.

Here’s how I can help:

We’ll start with a simple sitdown conversation. No pressure, no pushy sales talk. Just real talk about your options, timeline and your needs.

I also work with helpful people, like lawyers, estate planners, and clean-out crews, who don’t flinch at 30 years of Tupperware or Readers Digests from the 1980’s.

A few things to think about:

1. Who owns the house? Trust, will, power of attorney? Let’s sort it out now.

2. Start early. Even if you’re

not ready to move yet, it’s good to know your options.

3. Feelings matter. Selling after a loss or during health changes is very emotional. I bring patience, respect and experience to every step.

You don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here to listen, answer your questions, and help on your terms and your timeline. I’m just a phone call away.

Call Helen Quick at (574) 220-7450. She is licensed in Indiana and Michigan.

A BRASH EXPERIENCE “Saturday Night Life” was Lorne Michaels’s brash experiment as an alternative to the “Tonight Show” reruns. Photo by Rosalind O’Connor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images.

Accessing your personal My Social Security account

By MONA HARTER District Manager, South Bend Social Security Office

For over 10 years, my Social Security has helped many people access our programs and services online. We will changed the way you sign in to all our online services — including my Social Security. You will no longer be able to sign in to your personal my Social Security account using your username and password. Instead, you’ll need to use one of our credential service providers, Login.gov or ID.me. If you already have a Login. gov or ID.me account, and can sign in to our online services, please continue using that account.

If you only have a Social Security username, our screens will guide you through the process to transition your account to Login.gov. Login. gov provides enhanced online security, helps protect you from identity theft, and al

sign in with your Social Security username and password you will receive a prompt to create an account with Login. gov. You will then be taken to the Login.gov website.

Once you successfully link your Social Security username with your new Login. gov account, you will see a confirmation screen. You can start using your new Login. gov account to access our online services immediately. You will no longer be able to sign in with your personal my Social Security account using your Social Security username. Login.gov has 24/7 customer support through phone and chat at login.gov/ help to help you set up an account, if needed.

If you’re not receiving benefits, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:

• Request a replacement Social Security card.

• Get estimates for future benefits.

rect deposit. (Social Security beneficiaries only)

• Change your address. (Social Security beneficiaries only)

• Get a replacement SSA1099 or SSA-1042S instantly for tax season.

• Opt out of mailed notices for those available online. For more information, please read our publication my Social Security: How to Create an Online Account at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10540. pdf. Please share this information with your loved ones.

ACCESS YOUR PERSONAL ACCOUNT Social Security has helped people access its programs and services online for 10 years through my Social Security. Set up your personal account today.

Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka celebrates five-year anniversary

Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka, an AHEPA Senior Living–owned and operated community, will celebrate its five-year anniversary from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. The milestone marks half a decade of providing affordable assisted living for older adults in northern Indiana.

Since opening its doors in 2020, Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka has welcomed residents to a vibrant community for low-income seniors, 62 and older. It offers affordable, safe apartment-home living with access to personal assistance, medication administration, and services, such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, socialization, and transportation.

Residences are available as one-bedroom or studio apart-

ments, each with a handicap-adaptable full bathroom, individually controlled heating and cooling, an emergency call system and a kitchenette. The community fosters independence, dignity and peace of mind for every resident.

“Affordable assisted living is the biggest, best-kept secret in the country,” AHEPA Senior Living President and CEO Steve Beck, said. “We are proud to celebrate five years of making a difference in the lives of older adults in Mishawaka. This community represents the very best of our mission — offering peace of mind, affordability, and services and amenities that help seniors thrive.”

It is one of four Hellenic Senior Living communities in

Indiana, with additional communities located in Indianapolis, Elkhart and New Albany.

“I walk in the building every day, as I love to walk and get my exercise daily. My time here at Hellenic has been wonderful, and I always look forward to meeting new residents that move in and welcome them to their new home,” Janet Stapke, a two-year resident, said.

The catered celebration will feature remarks from community leaders, refreshments, and opportunities to tour the property. Festivities will include live entertainment by a singer, a scavenger hunt with raffles and prizes and a photo wall for guests to enjoy. The event is open to the public.

It is located at 1540 S. Logan St., Mishawaka.

October MPHPL programs for adults

Below is the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library

October calendar of events for adults. Registration can be secured at (574) 259-5277 or online at mphpl.org. Check the website for the most up-to-date information regarding events.

Bittersweet Branch Events

Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 29. MPHPL will host an hour of bingo and beverages. Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize. Registration required.

Mishawaka Library Events

Saturday Morning Book Club, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Discuss this month’s book selection,” The Ghost Map” by Steven Johnson. Books can be picked up in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library. Registration required.

“Snack Attack: Pretzel Bites,” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6. Learn how to make pretzel bites. Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders.

“American Heritage Spot-

light,” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. Pete De Kever, president of the Mishawaka Historical Museum, will share stories from Penn High School’s 12 state championships in Academic Super Bowl and 16 state titles in Spell Bowl between 1996 and 2016.

“Paint with Us! Thrifty Ghost Art” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16. Embrace your artistic side. Participants will use upcycled art to create ghostly scenes. This program is great for all experience levels. Registration required.

“Cooking Classics: Fall Cupcake Decorating,” 4:305:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20. The MPHPL Cooking Classics October and November programs will focus on cupcake decorating.

Registration is required and limited to MPHPL cardholders. Guests can register for either the October or November session.

South Bend Education Foundation, South Bend Alumni Association announce merger

After decades of serving the South Bend Community School Corporation, the South Bend Education Foundation and South Bend Alumni Association have announce its official merger, creating a united organization committed to transforming lives through education, connection and community pride.

Together, these two trusted institutions bring a shared legacy of impact: the alumni association celebrating 40 years of honoring extracurricular enrichment and student leadership, and the education foundation marking over 30 years of championing innovation and classroom excellence. This merger is both timely and deeply intentional.

By uniting efforts, this new

chapter brings clarity, connection, and momentum to the work each organization has carried for decades.

“This is about legacy and vision,” said Kris Arizmendi Choinacky, chief executive officer of the newly-merged South Bend Education Foundation. “We’re building on decades of service to create a future-focused support system for our schools. One voice, one network, one unwavering commitment to public education.”

“Discussions of a merger between these two organizations have occurred on and off again for more than a decade,” explained Jory Fitzgerald, board chair, South Bend Education Foundation.

“After a year and half of strategic discussions and planning by a

task force comprised of members of both nonprofits board of directors, we’ve succeeded. There’s never been a time when public schools, students and teachers have more needed our support. We are unified in our determination to do just that.”

Signature programs, like the South Bend Community Hall of Fame, student scholarships, teacher grants and wish lists, along with student-led enrichment projects, will not only continue but thrive. The merger streamlines operations, deepens community engagement, and focuses energy on a single, shared mission: supporting South Bend’s public schools with purpose and unity.

“This merger is about impact,” said Miguel Salazar, immediate

past chair of the South Bend Education Foundation. “By bringing together our shared history and resources, we can better support teachers in their classrooms and students in their passions. Stronger together, we’re ensuring public education in South Bend thrives for generations to come.”

“The alumni association has always believed that learning extends beyond the classroom — through athletics, arts, and leadership experiences that shape the whole student,” said Steve Luecke, board member of South Bend Alumni Association. “By joining forces with the education foundation, we are strengthening not only those opportunities, but also the community connections that make them possible. Together,

we’re building a stronger future for our students and our city.”

“Our students succeed when our community stands behind them,” said Mansour Eid, superintendent, South Bend Community School Corporation. “This merger is a powerful example of collaboration in action, uniting to ensure every student has the support, opportunities, and encouragement they deserve.”

The newly-combined South Bend Education Foundation will debut its refreshed identity and expanded programming this fall, inviting the entire community to join in this bold, collaborative vision for South Bend’s students and schools.

To support the merged organization, visit edfo.org.

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

Brickyard Fountainview Health Center

609 W. Tanglewood Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 277-2500 • brickyardhc.com

Rehabilitation, Skilled Licensed Nursing, Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy. Private/Semi-Private Rooms, Long-Term, Respite Care, Pet Visitation Allowed. Non-Smoking Facility. Chronic Heart Failure & Wound Care Programs Offered. Medicare And/Or Medicaid Accepted.

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.

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.

Contact Marla Schroeder For More Details! 574-350-4488

1-866-580-1138 Ext. 2319 mschroeder@the-papers.com

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

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.

See Our Ad In This Issue

AGING & WELLNESS RESOURCES

AGING CONNECTIONS

Serving Northern IN & Southwest MI

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

Hover over Chapters on the navigation bar, then select your area and click directory. Aging Connections is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE

NORTH WOODS VILLAGE

AT EDISON LAKES

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

www.northwoodsmemorycare.com

See Our Ad In This Issue

ALZHEIMERS/MEMORY CARE

SIGNATURE HealthCARE OF BREMEN

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.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

HAMILTON GROVE

31869 Chicago Trail

New Carlisle, IN 46552 (574) 654-2200

Greencroft.org/HamiltonGrove

SOUTHFIELD VILLAGE

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 CARE

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.

HEALTHCARE

HealthLinc

Multiple locations throughout Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke and St. Joe Counties (888) 580-1060 healthlincchc.org

Providing quality medical, dental, optical, behavioral health, pharmacy, podiatry, chiropractic and much more.

HOME CARE SERVICES

ALWAYS BEST CARE - MICHIANA

310 N. Ironwood Dr.

South Bend, IN 46615 (574) 232-8487

www.abc-michiana.com

Leaders in Non-Medical Home Care. VA Provider. Indiana Medicaid Waiver Provider. Michigan Medicaid Provider. Private Pay. Long-term Care Insurance. Veterans Care Bridge.

See Our Ad In This Issue

COMFORT KEEPERS

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

www.southbendin.comfortkeepers.com

Providing Compassionate Senior Home Care & Home Assistance In Northern Indiana Region. Includes personal care, respite care, transitioning home care and more. Indiana Medicaid, VA Provider, long term insurance and private pay.

HANDS IN MOTION HOMECARE (574) 395-6339

www.handsinmotioncare.com

Accept private pay, long-term insurance, Medicaid Waiver and VA through AVCC. Deaf-friendly and Hearing welcome. Serving South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Osceola, Elkhart and surrounding counties. Accepting Applications

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.

SENIORS HELPING SENIORS

Serving St. Joseph, Elkhart and LaGrange counties (574) 385-3900

info@shsnorthernin.com

We provide in-home care services that brighten the lives of seniors. Our mature caregivers, many are seniors themselves, make life easier through compassionate, caring support. VA Provider, Long-Term Care Insurance and Private Pay.

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORY

HOME CARE SERVICES

VILLAGE CAREGIVING

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

villagecaregiving.com

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

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.

HOSPICE CARE

CARING COVE HOSPICE

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.

HOSPICE CARE

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!

See Our Ad In This Issue

DUNES HOSPICE

(888) 602-9004

4711 Evans Avenue

Valparaiso, IN 46383 1417 N. Michigan Street Plymouth, IN 46563 duneshospicellc.com

A 5 Star hospice. Dunes Hospice has the highest visit frequencies in the area for nurses, CNAs, Social Workers, and Spiritual Counselors. We serve with dignity, honor, and above all, compassion.

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

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

PARADIGM HEALTH

3625 Park Place West, Suite 200 Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 332-8320

MyParadigmHealth.com

Honoring life’s journey with expert hospice and pallative care services. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our patients and their families. Exceptional end-of-life care is provided by our valued and empowered team. Hoosiers Caring for Hoosiers.

See Our Ad In This Issue

THE VILLAGE AT ARBORWOOD 820 Cleveland Rd. East Granger, IN 46530 (574) 247-4680

www.villageatarborwood.com A Lifestyle You Deserve, An Apartment You Can Afford.

See Our Ad In This Issue

MEDICAL CLINIC

NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS

Locations in Portage, Lake Station, Chesteron, Merrillville, Hammond, LaPorte & DeMotte

By appt. or walk-ins welcome. (219) 763-8112 or (888) 459-2349

www.northshorehealth.org

Affordable medical and urgent care regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance accepted. Discounted self-pay option.

MEMORY CARE

CHAPTERS LIVING OF SOUTH BEND 955 N. Hickory Road South Bend, IN 46615 (574) 314-5369

chapterssouthbend.com

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

LIFTING HEARTS HOME CARE

South Bend, IN 46615 (260) 705-4115

www.liftinghearts.live

Our mission is simple: to provide compassionate, personalized care that enables seniors and individuals to live independently at home. Through a patient-centered approach and tailored services, we ensure the unique needs of each client are met with dignity and respect.

Poking into the past: Our most beloved humorist

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

Today’s humorless woke culture makes it almost impossible for anyone to poke fun at anyone in the political spectrum without being shouted down by some portion of the population.

That is to say, it’s a good thing Will Rogers isn’t tossing off his incisive barbs these days when so many folks search for reasons to be offended.

He was born Nov. 4, 1879, in the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, and fashioned a life as a cowboy, vaudeville performer, stage and film actor, cowboy, humorist, newspaper columnist, and social commentator.

Rogers often quipped his ancestors did not come over on the Mayflower, but they “met the boat.”

As an entertainer and humorist, he traveled around the world three times, made 71 films — 50 silent films and 21 talkies — and wrote more than 4,000 nationally syndicated newspaper columns. By the mid-1930s, Rogers was among the highest paid Hollywood film stars.

He poked fun at prohibition, politicians, gangsters, govern-

ment programs, and a host of other controversial topics in a way that found general acclaim from a national audience. He often proclaimed, “I am not a member of an organized political party. I am a Democrat.”

In 1901, he and a friend went to work as gauchos, or cowboys, in Argentina for a spell before setting sail for South Africa, where he was hired at a ranch. It was there that he started his show business career as a trick lariat roper in the Texas Jack’s Wild West Circus.

That’s where Rogers, in his words, “learned the great secret of show business — knowing when to get off the stage. It’s the fellow who knows when to quit that the audience wants more of.”

He took his roping act to Australia and returned to the United States in 1904, appearing at the St. Louis World’s Fair before joining the vaudeville circuit, which led him to New York’s Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway.

In 1918, Hollywood producer Samuel Goldwyn gave him a three-year contract at triple his Broadway salary. At the same time, Rogers was on his lecture circuit and wrote his New York Times syndicated column, “Will Rogers Says,” that reached 40

million readers daily.

His newspaper column expressed his traditional morality and belief that political problems were not as serious as they sounded. He urged isolationism for the U.S.

During his lectures, Rogers quipped, “A humorist entertains, and a lecturer annoys.”

From 1929 to 1935, Rogers’ radio broadcasts sponsored by the Gulf Oil Co. was ranked among the nation’s top programs. He was an aviation enthusiast and promoted a military

air force along with his friend, Army Gen. Bily Mitchell. Although he supported President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, he easily joked about it, saying, “Lord, the money we do spend on government. It’s not one bit better than the government we got for one-third the money 20 years ago.”

Rogers increasingly expressed the views of the common man and downplayed academic credentials, noting, “Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.”

In 1935, Rogers asked his friend, famed aviator Wiley Post to fly him to Alaska searching for new material for his newspaper column. On Aug. 15, they left Fairbanks for Point Barrow.

About 20 miles southwest of their destination they landed to ask directions. Upon takeoff, the engine failed and they plunged into a lagoon. Both men died instantly.

Before his death, Oklahoma commissioned a statue of Rogers, representing the state in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol. Rogers insisted his image be placed facing the House Chamber so he could “keep an eye on Congress.” Capitol tour guides say each president traditionally rubs the statue’s

left shoe for good luck before entering the House Chamber to give the annual State of the Union address.

Many landmarks are named in the humorist’s honor: Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, the Will Rogers Turnpike between Tulsa and Joplin, MO, and 13 Oklahoma public schools.

U.S. 66 is known as The Will Rogers Highway with a dedication plaque at the roadway’s western terminus in Santa Monica.

There have been two U.S. Postage stamps dedicated in his honor and the U.S. Navy’s Benjamin Franklin class submarine, USS Will Rogers was launched in 1966.

Among his more widely known sayings are, “All I know is what I read in the newspapers,” and “When I make a joke no one gets hurt; when Congress makes a joke it becomes law.”

Probably his most famous quote is the epitaph in his Clairmont, Okla., tombstone: “I never met a man I didn’t like.”

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

Killer heart attacks not always fatal

By CECIL SCAGLIONE

Mature Life Features

Cardiovascular disease that affects the heart and blood vessels kills someone every half minute. It is the leading cause of death, accounting for one out of every three deaths. That’s about the same number as those caused by cancer, respiratory disease and accidents combined.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. Most start slowly with some sort of discomfort and can be survived if recognized for what they are.

Fortunately, 90% of the people who suffer a heart attack survive the event.

Recognizing the signs early is a major factor.

Most heart attacks start with a minor pain, discomfort or tightness in the center of the chest that just won’t go away. If it does dissipate, it returns shortly after.

It can feel like your chest is being squeezed or is full, and it can be painful.

The discomfort can also spread to your stomach or back, into your neck, one or both arms, and your jaw.

You might also experience shortness of breath, with or without discomfort in your chest.

Other signs are dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea and breaking out in a cold sweat.

If you, or anyone near you, is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately.

Heart attack survivors usually are advised to lose weight, develop an exercise program, maintain a healthy diet, and lower their blood pressure and level of stress.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

A HUMORIST ENTERTAINS

American humorist, columnist and cowboy Will Rogers. Photo from Mature Life Features.

Barge through France with Bacchus

By FYLLIS HOCKMAN Mature Life Features

The 12 of us gathered for a sumptuous four-course gourmet dinner, each dish seasoned, served and savored with elan. The artistically folded napkins were rivaled only by the several glasses at each setting aligned to designer specification. The conversation flowed as freely as the wine, laughter bubbling up and over the table like a fine bottle of champagne.

It was hard to believe we had met for the first time just a few hours earlier when we boarded our luxury barge for a weeklong cruise on the waterways of France.

This is not a cruise as most of the world defines it. The boat is small; the body of water of is a canal, not the ocean; there are no swimming pools or discos on deck, and shipboard activities range from reading on the sundeck to reading in the parlor area.

We were aboard a barge named the Nenuphar. It was one of four operated by French Country Waterways Ltd. that lumber through the Loire Valley on canals dating as far back as 1604. They wind through tree-lined towpaths and past medieval villages, stately chateaux, rolling fields, and endless vinyards.

All the senses are satiated, but taste and smell predominate, with wine and food the focus of the trip. The de rigueur Plat de Fromage, a selection of three different cheeses, is served with as much reverence as the wine.

The table is hushed as it learns of the wine’s vintage, heritage, blush, fruity nose, supple taste, sweet aroma, lightness, elegance, finesse, its children, hobbies, indiscretions — whatever.

Comparable homage is paid to the cheese. There’s always your basic cow, goat and blue varieties.

When I returned home, I found it difficult to look at a glass of wine or wedge of cheese without wanting to know its entire history.

The French take their wine and their cheese very seriously. If this barge were to sink, the crew would save the wine and cheese first. Fortunately, this is not a concern in four feet of water.

And it is this wine-and-cheese worshiping crew hailing from across Europe that sets the tone

for the trip.

Case in point: I was sitting on deck reading and lusting after a refreshing glass of white wine. And voila! Alice, one of the hostesses, appeared with a glass in hand. I raised a very skeptical eyebrow.

“Télépathique,” she explained in her irresistible French accent. The whole crew was “telepathique” — and magnifique.

Delightfully planned excursions to French chateaux, abbeys,villages, or to a well-known vineyard for a wine tasting take

up most of the afternoons.

My husband and I chose to skip a tour of an artisan oak wine-barrel-making facility because it sounded boring. Each sliver of wood, we were told later, is handcrafted and the artistry throughout impressive. The other 10 passengers spoke about the outing with reverence for the next two days.

We didn’t make the same mistake at the pottery factory, where the totally hand-crafted creations, fashioned here since 1821, more resemble works of art

than household furnishings.

Barge cruising is synonymous with slow. You could probably get to your destination faster by walking, but that’s not the point. Traveling by barge is about

enjoying the process, reveling in the countryside, and mastering the fine art of relaxation. Oh yes, it’s also about the wine and the cheese.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2025

REAL Services announces new nutrition site

Thanks to growing interest in more social opportunities for older adults, REAL Services, in partnership with the Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center, has announced the opening of a brand-new senior nutrition site in South Bend.

This partnership will provide a warm, welcoming, and engaging environment where older adults

can gather, enjoy nutritious meals, and build meaningful connections within their community. In addition to daily lunches, the site also offers a variety of classes and activities, which all seniors are encouraged to join.

The grand opening event is from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at Portage Commons Senior Enrichment Center, 133 N.

Williams St., South Bend.

The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening. Guests can enjoy light refreshments, learn more about the program, meet others, and ask questions about how to get involved.

Who Can Participate?

All adults aged 60 and older are welcome to have lunch Monday through Friday at any of

Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1

As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. If you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.

Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

The best way to avoid large dental bills is preventive care. Experts recommend checkups twice a year.

Previous dental work can wear out.

Your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2

Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.

Unexpected bills, like $190 for a filling, or $1,213 for a crown3 can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.

the nutrition sites; no income or need-based requirements apply. This program is about much more than a meal; it’s about friendship, support, and shared experiences. For more information, contact Nutrition Assistant Jacque at (574) 229-3254, or visit realservices.org and navigate to services, meals and nutrition and senior meal sites.

Look for coverage that helps pay for major services.  Look for coverage with no deductibles.

BARGING Nenuphar on the river. Photo from Mature Life Features.

‘A LA CAMPAGNE’ The countryside along the canal is breathtaking. Photo from Mature Life Features.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust has begun making contributions to the South Bend Urban Tree Canopy project, which aims to increase the urban tree canopy from its current average of 22% to 40% by planting additional trees.

In April, Shirley Heinze team members visited Navarre Middle School in South Bend, alongside 14 other community partners, for a tree-planting event that hosted approximately 250 students.

“Part of the South Bend Urban Tree Canopy initiative is to plant 1,000 trees on school property,” said Meridith Mansfield, a teacher at Navarre Middle School and education coordinator at Shirley Heinze. “The city completed research on heat signatures. Navarre’s heat signature was low, so they chose Navarre as the first site.”

In preparation for the tree planting, Shirley Heinze educators taught the seventh and eighth grade classrooms about local tree species and their environmental importance, explaining the purpose and goals behind the planting project to deepen their understanding of nature.

Students then participated in learning stations that included writing poetry, measuring tree height and identifying tree types. A short celebration was also held at the planting event, featuring speeches from community partners, the city and Navarre Middle School students. In just 45 minutes, 50 trees were planted.

“We planted Shumard oak and swamp white oak. We also planted the Princeton American elm, Kentucky coffee tree, crab apples for spring flowering, and American lindens,”

said Brent Thompson, urban forester at South Bend Venues Parks and Arts. “We would love to see our urban canopy made up of no more than 5% of any one genus. Diversity makes it more sustainable in the long term.”

While Navarre Middle School was the first site to participate, it certainly won’t be the last.

The Shirley Heinze team aims to engage 4,000 students in the importance of trees and help plant 1,000 trees on school grounds. This includes a plan to visit two more schools in the fall, where team members and community partners will host similar educational activities and champion additional tree planting.

“Volunteers are critical in the success of this program. Contact us to get involved,” Mansfield said.

About Shirley Heinze Land Trust

Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, approximately 4,000 acres across Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of these nature preserves are open to the public to explore and enjoy.

Join staff from the St. Joseph County Parks to fight invasive species and protect natural areas. Learn how to identify and remove these plants threatening forests, fields and wetlands.

“Invasive, non-native plant species are a big problem for our natural communities,” said Park Naturalist Amal Farrough. “They can take over and crowd out native plants.”

A Weed Wrangle will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 3, at Bendix Woods County Park’s Runnels Shelter. Dress in long sleeves and pants. Refreshments will be provided thanks to sponsor, Logistick, Inc.

Register in advance by calling (574) 654-3155.

Bendix Woods County Park is located at 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle.

NEW PODCAST — The History Museum announced the launch of a new podcast,” Rockne: The Legend Lives On.” The nine-episode podcast series explores the life, career, and legacy of Notre Dame’s coach, Knute Rockne. Photo provided by the museum.

New podcast on Knute Rockne launches

The History Museum announced the launch of a new podcast, “Rockne: The Legend Lives On.” The nine-episode podcast series explores the life, career, and legacy of Notre Dame’s coach, Knute Rockne. All nine episodes have dropped.

Designed to connect to the museum’s major new exhibit, “Rockne: Life and Legacy,” which runs through May 31, 2026, the podcast also is intended to live beyond the exhibit. Each episode will also be featured in social and traditional media biweekly.

The podcast is hosted by Indiana-based author and longtime podcast producer Alex Painter. It is sponsored by Andy and Tina Nickle.

Most of Painter’s previous 100 plus podcasts are also about Notre Dame football, or his other sporting passion, baseball. Here, he was enthusiastic about doing an additional, deep dive on Rockne, one patrons could enjoy before, during and after the exhibit.

“The process was equal parts meticulous, exhaustive, thrilling and full of discovery, and I’m grateful that it has become part of the largest Knute Rockne museum exhibit ever,” he said.

“Much had been written previously about Rockne’s career as a coach,” said Brian Harding, executive director for The History Museum, “and of course the podcast covers that too. Pairing it with this exhibit allows us to share far more about the full life of the man. It’s a chance for in-person museum visitors and Rockne fans everywhere to really delve into what made him such an iconic American.”

QR codes can be found throughout the exhibit gallery and guests will be able to scan the code to download each indepth podcast connection to the material culture and stories currently on display in the exhibit.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust, Health Foundation of LaPorte restore Ambler Flatwoods Boardwalks

Thanks to the generosity of the Health Foundation of La Porte and the dedication of local volunteers, visitors to the Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve, Michigan City, can now enjoy 537 feet of newly-restored boardwalk, well beyond the original 400-foot goal.

The preserve’s clay subsoil often holds water on the trails, making its network of boardwalks essential for year-round access. Years of weather and

Milton Village, a collaboration between Milton Adult Day Services and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, was created in cooperation with the Netherlands-based Vivium Group.

It is a revolutionary concept in care and the first of its kind in the U.S. The environment provides a home and town-like setting with less institutional-style programming. Called the de Hogeweyk model, it was successfully implemented in the Netherlands as a residential model of care for persons living with dementia, prior to being adapted as a day center model at Milton Village.

It Takes A Village

They say it takes a village to raise a child. The same can be said for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia or any other cognitive condition.

Milton Village is a resource

fallen trees left many sections in need of repair.

With a $22,000 grant from the Health Foundation of La Porte, Shirley Heinze Land Trust set out to restore these sections of the boardwalk system and was supported by dedicated volunteers and community partners to get it done.

Corporate teams, civic groups, and dedicated individuals turned out for multiple workdays. These included

for anybody facing the challenges imposed by a cognitive condition — those living with the condition, their caregivers and even clinicians. The collaboration between Milton Adult Day Services and ALZNI is under one roof, which helps the organizations meet the needs of anyone needing help.

For The Patient Milton Adult Day Services is a community-based service providing a structured setting for adults who need health, social and support services during the day. It offers opportunities for an enhanced quality of life and ensures a loved one’s safety.

For The Caregivers And Family ALZNI offers a variety of support services and education that is crucial to helping family members provide superior care to their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and

GAF, a long-time supporter of Ambler Flatwoods, NWI Women’s Hive, Cleveland-Cliffs, Applied Specialty Underwriters, the Northern Indiana Chapter of Hiker Babes, SUM, and SWCA Environmental Consultants.

“We believe that all community members should be able to enjoy our preserves regardless of physical abilities,” said Kris Krouse, executive director of Shirley Heinze Land Trust.

related dementia.

For Professionals

The Institute for Excellence in Memory Care, part of ALZNI, is transforming memo-

“Ambler Flatwoods is a beautiful preserve, and we’re incredibly thankful to the Health Foundation of La Porte and the many volunteers, who have made this preserve accessible for community members, who may not have otherwise been able to fully enjoy it.”

Shirley Heinze Land Trust plans to continue improving accessibility at Ambler Flatwoods and throughout the other preserves it protects across

ry care by defining standards of excellence, cultivating professionals and building sustainable certification criteria for dementia care.

northwestern Indiana.

Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, approximately 4,000 acres across Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of these nature preserves are open to the public to explore and enjoy

If you or a loved one are in need of support for a cognitive issue, contact Milton Village at (574) 232-2666 or visit MiltonVillage.org or alzni.org.

Crossroad Tours

BIG CRANE Built in 1940 for the U.S. Navy, this railroad steam crane lifts logs onto a platform at the museum’s steam-powered sawmill. The mill does custom sawing to help fund the museum.

Steam power still rules at Heston Steam Museum

Visiting Hesston Outdoor Steam Museum near LaPorte is like taking a step back in history to the time when steam power ruled. Three, smoke-belching trains of varying sizes transport people over bridges, up inclines, through a forest around the 155-acre property just like they did around the turn of the century at the end of the 1800s and early 1900s.

Crossroad Tours Crossroad Tours

Steam power still rules here. Plumes of smoke rise from the stacks of a variety of locomotives and the air is full of the sounds of their whistles. A conductor punches each passenger’s ticket at the station before they board the coaches.

disappearing into the trees. The powerful Shay locomotives were used to haul huge logs out of the forest to the saw mills in the valley.

Rides for adults are $9 and children under 13 years of age is $5.

Crossroad Tours Crossroad Tours

Crossroad Tours Crossroad Tours

A classic Shay engine pulling four passenger cars, moves off slowly and chugs up an incline, across a bridge before

A smaller, former amusement park train is full of enthusiastic visitors and a third, even smaller train with the engineer perched on top of the coal car, operates on another set of tracks.

Crossroad Tours Open House

June 7, 2025

Nearby a huge steam belching crane built for the U.S. Navy in 1940 lifts logs and places them on a platform at the steam-powered sawmill, where a huge radial blade fills the air with sawdust and quickly turns the log into lumber.

rossroad Tours Crossroad Tours

Crossroad Tours Crossroad Tours

Family Fun Tours

Diamond Tours

Fun Tours

Family Fun Tours

Built in Kalamazoo, Mich., it served as a lumber mill in nearby Michigan City before coming to Hesston in 1959. Custom sawing helps support the outdoor museum.

One unique machine is the generator that first brought electricity to the city of LaPorte to power the courthouse and the jail. When in operation, it lights up a big sign that reads “100 years of generating power.”

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

April 19, 2025 - Shedd Aquarium

October 23-25, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

December 4, 2025 - Christmas in Ohio

May 10, 2025 - Tulip Festival

October 23-25, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

December 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth, IL

May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo

October 23-25, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

June 9-13, 2025 - Niagara Falls & Toronto

December 4, 2025 - Christmas in Ohio

June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo

December 4, 2025 - Christmas in Ohio

August 4-9, 2025 - Beautiful Branson

December 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth, IL

December 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth, IL

Diamond Tours

June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show

July 5, 2025 - Columbus Zoo

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

July 12, 2025 - Air Zoo

Diamond Tours

September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont

Diamond Tours

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

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

Family Fun Tours

July 19, 2025 - Peru Circus

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

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

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

Family Fun Tours

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

August 16, 2025 - Chicago Air Show

May 18 - 23, 2025 - Branson show Extravaganza

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

August 23, 2025 - Toledo Zoo

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

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

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

September 13, 2025 - Fair Oaks Farms

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

May 18 - 23, 2025 - Branson show Extravaganza

May 18 - 23, 2025 - Branson show Extravaganza

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

June 8-13,2026 - Lancaster Show Trip

September 27, 2025 - Brookfield Zoo

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

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

Hesston Steam Museum is actually the outgrowth of a threshing bee, hosted by the LaPorte County Threshermen, in 1957. It has been growing steadily since then and now includes a blacksmith shop, 1930s ice cream parlor/sandwich shop, gift shop and picnic area. The museum is open only on weekends starting at 11:30 a.m., with trains running at noon. It is operated solely by volunteers.

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

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

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

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

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

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

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

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

October 23-25, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

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

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

October 23-25, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

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

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

December 4, 2025 - Christmas in Ohio

August 31- September 4, 2026 - Mackinac Island

ctoberO 23-25, 2025 - The rkA Encounter & Creation useumM berDecem 4, 2025 - ashristmC in hioO berDecem 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth, IL

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

December 4, 2025 - Christmas in Ohio

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

December 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth, IL

December 15-16, 2025 - Antiquing, Elizabeth, IL

Diamond Tours

Get in the Halloween spirit by taking one of their ghost train rides in October. The rides, which take visitors through the forest in search of the “Mad Lumberjack,” will pass many scary vignettes of skeletons popping out of caskets and weird ghoulish creatures doing a lot of other strange things.

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip

September 12-19, 2026 - Montreal, Quebec City, Canada Capital October 1-12, 2026 - Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Hoover Dam

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

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

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

May 18 - 23, 2025 - Branson show Extravaganza

December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina

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

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

April 11-19,2026 - San Antonio, TX

The three railroads operate Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month. Trains begin running at noon and haul screaming passengers through 5 p.m.

The museum is closed in Continued on page 27

May 17-23, 2026 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard May 18 - 23, 2025 - Branson show Extravaganza

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

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

GREAT ESCAPES Text and Photos By ROD KING

STEP BACK IN TIME Steam Power still rules at Hesston Steam Museum just east of LaPorte. The museum is open on weekends and trains start running at noon.

ALZNI supporting caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia

By JOE COLLINS, AD, QMCP Program Manager Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana

Caring for a loved one can be one of the most meaningful roles in life, but it also comes with challenges leaving families feeling overwhelmed, isolated or unsure where to turn. That is why our organization exists: to provide supportive services for caregivers and their loved ones — especially those living with dementia — through a wide variety of programs, resources and community connections. Best of all, every service we offer is free of charge.

Our vision is simple yet powerful: to ensure that no caregiver has to walk this journey alone. We know caregiving is not a one-size-fits-all experience, which is why we provide multiple pathways for support. Whether you are seeking practical guidance, emotional connection, or activities which bring joy and meaning, our programs are designed with you in mind.

With about 30 in total, one of our cornerstone offerings is support groups, which give caregivers across northern Indiana a safe place to share experiences, gain encouragement, and connect with others who truly understand.

For families who need more individualized guidance, family consultations offer one-on-one support by a licensed social worker to address unique challenges and create a personalized plan of care.

Education is also central to our mission. Through community presentations, on-

line-based education, and our quarterly newsletter, caregivers stay informed about the latest strategies and resources. These tools empower families with knowledge, helping them feel more confident and prepared.

We also know that caregiving affects both the caregiver and the person living with dementia. That’s why we offer specialized programs designed just for caregivers, activities for individuals living with dementia and shared experiences for both caregivers and loved ones together. These programs not only ease stress but also create opportunities for connection and meaningful moments.

Safety and peace of mind are critical parts of caregiving, which is why we provide our CARES ID bracelet program. This initiative helps ensure individuals, who may wander, are safely returned home, offering reassurance for caregivers and protection for their loved ones for only a one-time fee of $20. At the heart of it all, ALZNI is about community. We believe when caregivers are supported, loved ones receive better care, and families are strengthened. For anyone navigating the caregiving journey— whether you’re just starting out or have been caring for years — we are here to walk alongside you with guidance, resources, and hope.

Caregiving is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards, and you don’t have to face it alone. Through our free programs and supportive services, we are here to ensure that every caregiver and loved one has access to the care, education, and community they deserve.

READY TO ROLL An engineer climbs into the Shay narrow gauge locomotive for a trip through the 155-acre property. Shay locomotives were formerly used to haul large logs from the forest to the sawmills because they could handle heavy loads up and down relatively steep grades.

STEAM GENERATOR— This steam generator formerly provided electric power to light the LaPorte County courthouse and jail. When running, it lights up the sign on the roof.

READY TO BOARD Passengers are ready to have their tickets punched for a ride on one of the three various sized railroads at Hesston Steam Museum, that will take them through the forest on the 155acre property.